In episode 40, Janet delves into the effect of social media on the mental well-being of young people with returning guest, Dr. Daniel Zdzieborski. A Clinical Psychologist with experience in hospitals, schools, community and private practice settings, Dr. Zdzieborski specializes in treating children and adolescents with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns. Together, Janet and Dr. Zdzieborski examine how children’s engagement with social media platforms can nurture connections and foster independence, yet at the same time create a deceptive sense of community. This dual dynamic can potentially give rise to mental health challenges, such as feelings of isolation and alienation. They also explore how the increased use of social media interferes with sleep patterns, triggers social comparisons, and contributes to the formation of unrealistic expectations about life. This is especially prevalent in children and adolescents. Dr. Zdzieborski shares how our societies have developed so fast that we have not been able to adapt on an evolutionary level. To learn more about Dr. Daniel Zdzieborski and his work, please visit his website. For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.