Screens: Is social media bad for mental health?

From girl dinner to fitspiration, there’s no escaping social media – its memes and hashtags - for today’s teens and young people. In this episode, Cosmos journalist Jacinta Bowler does some mindless scrolling. They also DM experts Associate Professor Ivanka Pritchard, Dr Danielle Einstein, Associate Professor Gemma Sharp, and Nicola Palfrey uncover the evidence for whether social media is bad for mental health? This episode was produced by Petra Stock and edited by Andrew Wyrill. Danielle Einstein’s website www.thedip.com has tips for dealing with devices, social media and anxiety. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact: Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 ,36 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800, Headspace 1800 650 890 (in Australia). For more science news, visit cosmosmagazine.com and follow us on Instagram @cosmosmagazine Love the show? Let us know by rating and leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.