‘It can create sort of a sense of false reality’: Medicine Hat mental health specialists weigh in on social media use

Trenton Akers, a mental health therapist, at Psynergy Centre Health and Wellness, said people who post content are generally trying to project themselves in their best light.

“”It can create sort of a sense of false reality and really cognitive bias.” Akers said.

“You can end up internalizing that, saying oh, I’m not doing this, I’m not going on as many vacations as the Joneses,” he added.

“You have to also look at the fact that when you’re looking at social media, you’re not just looking at what people are showing, it’s also what the algorithm is giving you.”

That algorithm finds what you are most likely to enjoy based on the information taken in by the the social media platform.

Akers said understanding the larger picture is important.

“Because, you know, it’s like looking at the end of a person running a race. Sure, it’s great to look at them throwing their hands up in the air after they’ve done the marathon,” Akers said.

“But what about the years of training? What about the blisters on the feet? And then that can really help to bring things into balance,” he added.

“Human beings are very empathetic and understanding. It’s kind of about leaning into that empathy and about really creating that perspective of maybe what you’re not seeing. Think about what is it like for them to actually go through that.”

Tobi Ceh, registered psychologist and owner, at Mindscape Psychology, said our brains are designed to compare ourselves to others, and looking at people’s highlight reel on social media is not a full reflection of their reality.

Adding that using social media also hacks the dopamine system in our brains which gives a person a feeling of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation.

“We are always looking for that validation or that next like, and as soon as we get it, our dopamine floods,” Ceh said

“Our brain says we want more. Even if we know it’s going to lead to anxiety and depression, which very often it does, we’re going to continue looking at social media and continue in these habits that aren’t good for us in the off chance that we’ll get another dopamine hit,” she added.

“People when they’re creating this content and putting it out there and being really bold and really brave, they’re trying to meet their own needs too. They’re looking for that dopamine and who likes me and where do I fit in?”

Ceh adds when used in moderation social media can help create connection for people who feel disconnected, but more regular social connection is a great protector against the downsides of social media.

“You’re not having in depth conversations, and the algorithms, the way they’re built to present the information to us, aren’t presenting us with any dissonant information,” Ceh said.

“It’s going to keep giving us what we want to hear. It’s going to give us that confirmation bias. I think it’s far more beneficial to have real in-person connections with people who can challenge us a little bit and push us to grow.”

Akers said that social media is a great way for people to connect.

“But you also have to ask yourself, how are you utilizing that tool? Are you reacting to that tool? Are you interacting with it? What are some other ways that you can really gain stories from other people,” Akers said.

“I guess it’s about talking with other people, maybe about listening to a long form podcast.”

When it comes to people saying or doing things online that they wouldn’t necessarily do in person Ceh weighed in.

“Well, I think that there’s an arm’s length. There isn’t an audience right in front of them. They can create in their mind who their audience is,” Ceh said.

“It gives us a lot of bravery if your critic isn’t right in front of you.”

Akers agrees about not having that other person in front of you to give you feedback.

“It’s sort of like a sense of invisibility, or the fact that we’re not actually able to see how that’s impacting,” Akers said.

“It’s not that people don’t care, it’s just that in the moment when you’re not having that one-to-one reaction, you know, you’re maybe not having those safeguards.”

by Jesse Gill

‘It can create sort of a sense of false reality’: Medicine Hat mental health specialists weigh in on social media use

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