Left To Our Own Devices: Working with Clients Around Social Media Consumption, Ep. 75

Social media consumption significantly correlates with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms, particularly among youth. Media psychologist and addiction specialist Dr. Don Grant explains that platforms utilize "variable rewards systems"—akin to slot machines—to hijack brain chemistry and maintain engagement. This digital saturation fosters "compare and despair" cycles and the "online disinhibition effect," where users act differently behind a screen than in real life. Clinicians should assess device usage across biological, psychological, and sociological dimensions, identifying when usage interferes with daily functioning. Effective interventions involve modeling healthy behavior, utilizing screen-time monitoring tools, and applying Rumi’s three gates—truth, necessity, and kindness—before posting. Ultimately, addressing problematic social media use requires uncovering the underlying unmet needs that drive compulsive engagement, as digital habits often mask deeper emotional or relational struggles.