Veronica Valli & Chip Somers

Soberful

Veronica Valli & Chip Somers

  • 271: Social Media Addiction with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras

271: Social Media Addiction with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras

Wednesday 19th June 2024

Dr. Nicholas Kardaras reveals how social media hooks us and its impact on mental health. Learn practical tips to combat digital addiction.
Explicit
40 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Supportive
Compassionate
Educational

About this podcast

Soberful
Author:
Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Unmasking Social Media Addiction with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras

Episode Overview

  • Social media is designed to be addictive by exploiting our dopamine system.
  • Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the mental health impacts of social media.
  • Predatory algorithms amplify emotional distress by targeting users' vulnerabilities.
  • Parents should delay giving children portable devices to protect their mental health.
  • Engaging in real-life activities can build resilience against digital addiction.
The cage is honey-coated and tastes delicious because our digital experiences can be so satisfying.
Ever wondered how social media is designed to keep you hooked? In this episode of Soberful, Veronica Valli sits down with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, an Ivy League-educated psychologist and bestselling author, to tackle the thorny issue of social media addiction. Dr. Kardaras, who has been sober for 23 years, shares his personal journey and explains how he noticed a new kind of addiction emerging in the digital landscape over a decade ago.
His book 'Glow Kids' was one of the first to highlight the addictive nature of digital devices and the predatory algorithms that keep us glued to our screens. Dr. Kardaras dives into the mechanics behind these algorithms, revealing how they exploit our dopamine system to create a constant cycle of reward and craving. He discusses the mental health crisis this has sparked among young people, particularly teenagers, who are bombarded with unrealistic ideals and emotionally charged content.
The conversation touches on the alarming statistics around teenage mental health, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide linked to social media use. The episode also explores the broader societal implications, such as the legal battles against social media giants and the need for legislation to protect vulnerable users. Dr.
Kardaras offers practical advice for parents on how to shield their children from the harmful effects of digital media, advocating for delayed exposure to devices and promoting real-life activities that build resilience and critical thinking. If you're concerned about the impact of social media on your mental health or that of your loved ones, this episode is a must-listen. Dr.
Kardaras' insights are both eye-opening and actionable, making it clear why understanding and addressing social media addiction is crucial for our well-being.