How social media is affecting teens

CBC News: The National
24 Feb 201406:11
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script explores the changing values and behaviors of teenagers, particularly their focus on fame and money, as influenced by social media and modern television shows. Researcher Yalda T. OLS investigates the priorities of today's youth, contrasting their desire for likes and recognition on platforms like Instagram with past generations' emphasis on community and family values. The script also highlights the potential negative consequences of constant technology engagement, such as reduced empathy due to lack of daydreaming and self-reflection. It raises concerns about the impact of this wired lifestyle on the development of empathy and social skills in teenagers, and the rise in online bullying.

Takeaways
  • 🧐 Teenagers' brains are a mystery that has long puzzled parents, and researcher Yalda T. Uls is trying to understand their values and priorities through social media.
  • πŸ“ˆ Priorities have shifted from community to money and fame, with social media playing a significant role in shaping these values.
  • πŸ“± Social media platforms like Instagram are highly valued by teens for the likes and comments they receive, which boosts their self-esteem.
  • 🎬 Television shows and reality programs like 'Hannah Montana' and 'American Idol' often promote fame as a primary value, influencing teens' aspirations.
  • πŸ“Š A study by Yalda T. Uls found that the value of fame has risen from the bottom to the top of the list in recent decades, contrasting with previous decades.
  • πŸ€” The constant engagement with technology may lead to less time for self-reflection and daydreaming, which are crucial for developing empathy.
  • 🧠 Neuroscientists have discovered that the areas of the brain responsible for learning empathy are only active when the mind is at rest, not while engaged with technology.
  • πŸ‘₯ A lack of empathy due to constant tech engagement could result in a generation that is less concerned about others, with serious implications for social interactions.
  • πŸ˜” The dark side of the online world includes issues like heartbreak and bullying, with famous cases like Amanda Todd and Jamie Huble highlighting the problem.
  • 🚨 Online bullying can be exacerbated by the lack of social cues that would normally inhibit harmful behavior, making it easier for bullying to persist.
  • ⚠️ There are concerns about how the changes in the way teenagers' brains are wired due to technology will affect their future behavior and societal interactions.
Q & A
  • What was the main question that researcher Yalda T.O. had about teenagers?

    -Yalda T.O. wanted to understand what was going on in the minds of teenagers and what their priorities and values were.

  • How did Yalda T.O. attempt to understand teenagers' thoughts?

    -Yalda T.O. used social media and went one-on-one with teenagers in Los Angeles to try to unlock what was important to them.

  • What was traditionally the number one priority for teenagers?

    -In the past, being part of the crowd or community was the number one priority for teenagers.

  • What has replaced community as the top priority for today's teenagers?

    -Money and fame have become the top priorities for today's teenagers, as indicated by the script.

  • How does receiving likes on social media make teenagers feel?

    -Receiving likes on social media makes teenagers feel good and appreciated because it shows that people value their work or content.

  • What does fame represent to the teenagers in the script?

    -Fame represents being known by everyone, receiving attention, and having people ask for autographs, which the teenagers find appealing.

  • How does the rise of social media influence teenagers' values?

    -Social media has made teenagers more aware of fame and money at a young age, influencing their values to shift towards these aspects.

  • What are the potential negative impacts of constant technology engagement on teenagers?

    -Constant engagement with technology may lead to a lack of self-reflection, reduced empathy, and an increased likelihood of participating in bullying behavior.

  • How does daydreaming relate to the development of empathy in the brain?

    -The areas of the brain responsible for learning empathy are only active when a person is not engaged in any activity, such as during daydreaming.

  • What is the concern about the wired world and how it may affect teenagers' brains?

    -The concern is that the fundamental changes in the way teenagers' brains are wired due to their wired world may affect their ability to empathize with others and inhibit negative behaviors like bullying.

  • What role do you think television shows play in shaping teenagers' values towards fame?

    -Television shows, especially reality shows and programs about the pursuit of fame, can strongly influence teenagers' values by reflecting and reinforcing the importance of fame and money in society.

  • How might the lack of daydreaming due to busy schedules affect the empathy levels of today's teenagers?

    -The lack of daydreaming, which is a time for self-reflection and empathy development, due to busy schedules filled with sports and organized activities, may result in lower levels of empathy among teenagers.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ€” Teenage Brains and Social Media: The Quest for Fame and Likes

This paragraph explores the changing values among teenagers, with a focus on the influence of social media. Researcher Yalda OLS investigates what teenagers value for their future, and finds a shift from community to money and fame. The narrative highlights how social media engagement, such as receiving likes on posts, contributes to a sense of validation and self-worth. It also contrasts the past, where television shows emphasized family and community values, with the present, where shows like 'Hannah Montana' and 'American Idol' promote fame. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on the potential dark side of the online world, including the risks of bullying and the impact of constant technology use on the development of empathy and self-reflection in the brain.

05:01
🧐 The Impact of Technology on Empathy and Teenage Brain Development

The second paragraph delves into the consequences of constant technology engagement on the teenage brain, particularly in the areas responsible for empathy and self-reflection. It discusses how the lack of downtime and daydreaming may hinder the development of these crucial cognitive functions. The summary points out that online interactions, such as bullying, lack the social cues that would normally inhibit negative behavior, making it easier for such actions to persist. The paragraph raises concerns about the long-term effects of these changes on the social and emotional well-being of teenagers, suggesting a potential generational shift towards decreased empathy and increased self-absorption due to the wired world they inhabit.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Teenage Brain
The teenage brain refers to the cognitive and emotional development that occurs during adolescence. It is a period of significant change, often marked by increased curiosity and a desire for independence. In the video, the teenage brain is a central theme as it explores the impact of social media and technology on the values and behaviors of teenagers.
πŸ’‘Social Media
Social media are online platforms that allow users to create and share content or participate in social networking. The video highlights how social media has become a powerful tool in shaping the thoughts and values of teenagers, with a focus on the pursuit of likes and fame as a measure of success.
πŸ’‘Values
Values are the beliefs and ideals that guide an individual's actions and decisions. The video discusses a shift in teenage values from community and family to a focus on money and fame, indicating a change in societal priorities influenced by media and technology.
πŸ’‘Fame
Fame is the state of being known or recognized by many people. The video explores the concept of fame as a new priority for teenagers, contrasting it with traditional values. It shows how the desire for fame can influence behavior and the importance placed on social media likes and attention.
πŸ’‘Likes
In the context of social media, likes are a way for users to express approval or enjoyment of content. The video emphasizes the importance of likes to teenagers, suggesting that they serve as a form of validation and are closely tied to their self-esteem and sense of worth.
πŸ’‘Technology
Technology refers to the tools, devices, and systems used to enhance human capabilities and achieve specific goals. The video discusses the pervasive role of technology in the lives of teenagers, noting how constant engagement with devices may impact their ability to develop empathy and self-reflection.
πŸ’‘Daydreaming
Daydreaming is the act of allowing one's mind to wander freely, often associated with creativity and self-reflection. The video suggests that the decrease in daydreaming among teenagers due to technology use may have implications for their emotional development and capacity for empathy.
πŸ’‘Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. The video connects the reduction in daydreaming with a potential decline in empathy among teenagers, as the areas of the brain responsible for learning empathy are less active when constantly engaged with technology.
πŸ’‘Bullying
Bullying is the use of force or coercion to abuse or intimidate others. The video touches on the dark side of the online world, where bullying can occur anonymously and without the social cues that might inhibit such behavior in face-to-face interactions.
πŸ’‘Neuroscientists
Neuroscientists are scientists who study the nervous system and brain function. The video mentions neuroscientists' research into the effects of technology on the brain, particularly concerning empathy and self-reflection in teenagers.
πŸ’‘Wired World
The wired world refers to the modern, technology-driven society where information and communication are facilitated by electronic devices and the internet. The video discusses the potential consequences of living in a wired world, including the benefits of fame and fortune as well as the risks of heartbreak and bullying.
Highlights

Researcher Yalda T. Uls is studying the teenage brain and its priorities using social media.

Teenagers' top priorities have shifted from community to money and fame.

Social media likes and attention give teens a sense of validation and happiness.

Fame is now seen as desirable by many teens, with everyone wanting to know their name.

The rise of social media has greatly influenced teens' values and awareness at a young age.

TV shows like Hannah Montana and American Idol promote the value of fame to teens.

In past decades, community values were more prominent on TV, but now fame is the top value.

The wired world may bring fame and fortune to teens, but also risks like bullying and heartbreak.

Neuroscientists found that daydreaming activates brain areas involved in empathy and self-reflection.

Today's teens are less likely to daydream due to constant engagement with technology.

A lack of daydreaming may lead to reduced empathy and increased bullying behavior.

Online bullying is easier as teens don't receive social cues to inhibit negative behavior.

Parents and experts are concerned about how these changes in teen brain development will impact their future.

The shift in teen values and brain function is a significant change from previous generations.

The study provides insights into the impact of social media and technology on teen development.

Understanding these changes is important for guiding teens to lead fulfilling, empathetic lives.

Transcripts
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