More than ever before, American teenagers live within an interconnected network of family members, friends, acquaintances, and online communities. The pandemic changed the way we connect with others, both positively and negatively.
This video shares some interesting information about social media’s effect on mental health [5:53; start at 1:27; stop at 2:58]:
How social media filters impact mental health
- Do you think filters can cause insecurity or unattainable beauty standards? Why or why not? (Accept all reasonable responses.)
- What are some of the benefits of social media? The downsides? (Accept all reasonable responses.)
- What social media guidelines might help people use social media in helpful, rather than harmful, ways? (Accept all reasonable responses.)
- Has another Christian’s online behavior ever made you question your own family’s rules or guidelines? Do all Christian families have the same specific rules of behavior? (We don’t always know the context behind a photograph or comment. What we post—and say—can have a ripple effect, especially for new Christians who might be confused by contradictions or hypocrisy.)
How we interact—whether through social media or face-to-face—can have a big effect on others. But even our personal choices can impact others. Let’s find out how.
