Social Media and Serious Mental Illness: The Good, The Bad, and The Unknown-Lecture Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. John Torres discusses the impact of social media on individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). He highlights the benefits and risks associated with social media use and explores the unknown aspects of its impact on mental health. Dr. Torres emphasizes the need for clinicians to understand social media and its potential effects on patients in order to provide appropriate care.<br /><br />He explains that social media can provide a platform for peer support and the sharing of experiences, which can be beneficial for individuals with SMI. However, he also highlights the negative aspects, such as excessive screen time, stigmatizing content, and potential risks to privacy and mental well-being.<br /><br />Dr. Torres discusses the current research on social media use and mental health, highlighting the limitations of cross-sectional studies and the need for further investigation. He also suggests using tools like smartphone screen time tracking to monitor and manage excessive social media use.<br /><br />In terms of treatment planning, Dr. Torres advises clinicians to consider individual patient needs and potential underlying issues, such as anxiety or addiction, when addressing social media use. He suggests a gradual reduction in social media use and the importance of fostering alternative connections and networks.<br /><br />Please note that this summary is based on the content of the video and may not fully capture all the details and nuances.

Keywords

social media impact

serious mental illness

peer support

mental health

clinicians

screen time tracking

treatment planning

alternative connections