Why some researchers think I’m wrong about social media and mental illness

Post by yellowapple » Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 1:48 PM UTC

ThomPete wrote: post #42

etrautmann wrote: post #24

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Sorry what? How do renewable energy sources not do anything? The problem is multifaceted abs requires advances in many areas. A thousand partial solutions. Absolutism and cynicism aren’t helpful.

Wind and solar the two darlings of climate catastrophists is less than 3% of the worlds energy consumption and they will not be able to help getting the 3 billion people who uses less energy than a US fridge per year into the modern era. Fossile fuels is not going anywhere as it's used for the 4 pillars of modern society, steel, fertilizers, concrete and plastic for which there is no realistic alternative. Wind and s…

Post by DrThunder » Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 1:53 PM UTC

rqtwteye wrote: post #83

psychphysic wrote: post #21

It's quite hard for me to judge this topic because I am so thoroughly convinced that social media is toxic for mental health. I think unfortunately it has become pervasive enough that you can't avoid experiencing it's toxic influence. There has been a complete loss in any interest in meeting a middle ground and like the use of stocks in medieval times the concept of cancellation is much more power than any reality. T…

I think social media amplified trends that were there before. I remember when I came to the US in 2000 it was pretty fashionable to say “I am angry” all the time. And the hatred at politicians was pretty pronounced too. And the cable news was already spreading fear and anger. Personally I think modern media starting with cable TV allowed hatemongers to easily reach large groups. The internet just made it much worse.…

Post by jwestbury » Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 1:54 PM UTC

jt2190 wrote: post #114

creshal wrote: post #56

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> Maybe our parents were indeed right when they told us we are glued to our devices and should go touch grass. And yet, their generation seems to be the most addicted these days, and the most unhinged when it comes to following conspiracy theories.

I suspect that those who grow up as social media “natives” will have some social norms that protect them somewhat, whereas many of those who came of age pre-social media will not have learned the social norms that can protect them. We can see lots of useful examples of a protective social norms with alcohol. For example, it’s quite common for people to not drink any alcohol before a certain hour of the day. It’s not…

Post by bradleyjg » Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 1:57 PM UTC

zamnos wrote: post #158

bradleyjg wrote: post #90

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Twitter really is the worst. At least the other platforms have some good mixed in with the bad. It is nice to stay vaguely connected to people in a sort-of holiday card way. Twitter has nothing to redeem it. Even in communities where there’s attempts at substantive conversation the medium makes a horrible mess to follow.

Not sure why you're ignoring the various official and unofficial accounts which use Twitter to distribute information during natural disasters which has saved lives, in a way that RSS can't replicate .

Post by vehemenz » Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 1:58 PM UTC

bradleyjg wrote: post #124

rjmunro wrote: post #120

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I think it depends on who you follow (which filter bubble you are in). Try unfollowing everyone who is not an actual personal friend (or use a pinned list to see only their tweets).

I have Facebook and Instagram for that, depending on the age of the friend. On Twitter these same people are much more likely to post a hot take than pictures of their kids or pets. The platform draws out toxicity even in otherwise easygoing people.