The mental health crisis is real. But should we really blame social media?
Channel: EFF-Austin
Date: 2022-01-14

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Our speaker this month is Anne Boysen. Anne Boysen is a data analyst and futurist with an interest in studying the first generation to experience their childhood and early adult years in the 21st century. ​​For the past two decades Anne has helped stakeholders in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations adapt to the new needs that are likely to emerge at the younger Generation’s next life stage. Anne enjoys dissecting the data to look for surprising patterns and weave these insights into compelling stories. Anne has a master’s degree in strategic Foresight from University of Houston and a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from Penn State University.

Mental health issues are plaguing younger generations more than ever before. Only 45% of Generation Z report good mental health. Researchers are scratching for answers. And for a scapegoat. Just like the telegraph for the early 20th century and like cable television of the early 80s, technology is once again pointed out as a favored boogeyman. As disillusionment and negative sentiments are building up against powerful technology companies, we hear increasingly how universities, professors and whistleblowers point out new villains - social media. Or smart phones. But what if, in spite of all the headlines and click bait, Generation Z’s technology use is not the main reason for their mental health issues? And what might be the real causes of our kids’ mental health crisis?