AI and Mental Health

There are more than 1 billion active users of Instagram! More than 75% of these users are teens!! 

The rise of social media in the last decade has reshaped our society. We now have more avenues to stay connected with family and friends and are better equipped to be active citizens in society.​
Image Credit: designbolts.com

But let's look at the other side of the coin. Like in the real world, virtual society has a dark side. What you 'choose' on the internet is not purely your decision. There are invisible algorithms profiling and leveraging every single digital footprint that is out there on the web. There are 'cyberbullies' sending threatening messages and spreading misinformation. It's a new form of crime. And it's growing so fast that Unicef found it necessary to start a world campaign to spread awareness. Teens now have to adjust to the changing world. Those who fail to adapt are left with scars of depression, social anxiety, and low self-esteem. Teenagers with a family history of mental illness and suicide are at even higher risk of developing mental health problems.
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Moderation is often the best rule for life, and it's no different regarding social media. Luckily the mass awareness of Digital Detox is also growing on the internet. Alexa offers running meditation or a mindful walk. Call it a digital diet to restore mental health.

FCC needs to enforce the nutrition facts for social sites!!
There should be an explicit mention of healthy serving size in the number of hours per day for social media users.​

References:

1. Social Media | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)
2. What is a Digital Detox? (webmd.com)
3. Reasons to Do a Digital Detox (verywellmind.com)

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