Understanding Anxiety and Social Media

In this TED interview, Cloe Shasha Brooks talks with Naomi Shimada about the anxiety linked to social media. They explore how social media exacerbates insecurities and the human condition, and discuss strategies for managing anxiety, such as setting boundaries and self-reflection. The conversation also covers the pressure to post on social media, especially regarding social justice activism, and the importance of understanding personal motivations and the impact of call-out culture.

What is the main focus of the TED interview series hosted by Cloe Shasha Brooks?

• Discussing the future of artificial intelligence

• Understanding the science of happiness

• Dealing with difficult feelings, specifically anxiety

• Exploring the impact of technology on education

According to Naomi Shimada, how does social media affect anxiety?

• It reduces anxiety by providing entertainment

• It exacerbates anxious feelings and the human condition

• It has no impact on anxiety levels

• It only affects anxiety in teenagers

What is a common feeling associated with social media that Naomi Shimada discusses?

• Boredom from repetitive content

• Fear of missing out (FOMO)

• Excitement about new trends

• Joy of connecting with friends

What strategy does Naomi Shimada suggest for dealing with anxiety from social media?

• Increasing social media usage

• Ignoring negative feelings

• Taking a step back and setting boundaries

• Posting more frequently

Before posting on social media, what question does Naomi Shimada recommend asking yourself?

• Is this the best time to post?

• How many likes will this get?

• Why do I want to share this right now?

• Will this go viral?

What does Naomi Shimada suggest about the motivations behind social media posts?

• They often reflect deeper desires and insecurities

• They are always genuine and spontaneous

• They are primarily for entertainment

• They are irrelevant to personal growth

What is a concern related to posting about social justice on social media?

• It can be seen as performative

• It is universally accepted

• It always leads to positive change

• It has no impact on real-world activism

What does Naomi Shimada emphasize as important for understanding social justice issues?

• Following popular influencers

• Ignoring personal biases

• Self-reflection and understanding internalized systems

• Posting frequently about issues

What does Naomi Shimada say about the role of social media in social justice movements?

• It is the only way to create change

• It can sometimes inhibit deeper conversations

• It always leads to immediate results

• It is irrelevant to activism

What is a potential downside of call-out culture on social media, according to Naomi Shimada?

• It encourages open dialogue

• It prevents mistakes from being addressed

• It fosters a supportive community

• It has no impact on personal growth