I need some pointers for my speech on the topic "Impact of social media and technology on mental health"

Answer 1

You may want to consider a "pros and cons" approach; social media has had both a positive and negative impact on society.

Brainstorming some of the benefits of social media:

1. Improving/rekindling existing relationships (connecting families across generations / distance; reconnecting old friends, co-workers and classmates)
2. Creating new friends and romantic relationships
3. Spreading/sharing helpful information/ideas
4. Finding an outlet for relaxation, self-expression, and emotional support
5. Providing value to an online audience for financial gain

Brainstorming some of the pitfalls of social media:

1. Difficulties in focusing on and interacting with others in face-to-face environments
2. Cyber-bullying and "cancel culture"
3. Fake news / rapid spread of misinformation
4. Depression; feelings of decreased self-worth due to comparing oneself with others
5. Decreased productivity

Depending on the amount of time you have for your speech, you may want to present the "benefits and pitfalls", or you may want to just focus on either the benefits OR the pitfalls.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hello Harsh,

In addition to what Marie acutely outlined on the given topic, it would also be essential to mention how technology, including social media, can be heavily addictive for the average person and how that inevitable element of technological usage and reliance impacts one's everyday operations habitually. People often worry that if they are not in tune with the online world of information and social media 24/7, they are missing out on one or more important things or trends, and will therefore assumedly fall behind in everyday life. This notion can create distortions of reality and inferiority complexes among online social media users and depression can ensue before too long. Plus, the competition created among online users with regards to the number of Likes/reactions received, views accrued, and comments posted in response to every status update, photo posted, article shared, or meme uploaded onto one's own online social media profile within one's own social community can wreak havoc within one's own conscience when it comes to determining their own "rank" among the online world as a whole over time.

The long-term psychological effects of social media and technology can and will be dire to the most vulnerable individuals if unattended to internally sooner rather than later.