Verified by Psychology Today

Digital World, Real World

The psychological and social effects of digital technology

Social Media
Getting Your Needs Met Online

Phil Reed D.Phil. on December 14, 2024

Most digital activity is simply a "want," but there are a few instances where it could be a "need," and fewer still where the need can be satisfied digitally.

Most digital activity is simply a "want," but there are a few instances where it could be a "need," and fewer still where the need can be satisfied digitally.

Social Networking
The Alienation of a Generation

Phil Reed D.Phil. on December 6, 2024

Constant revolution in digital communication provides an unstable base for interpersonal and intergenerational understanding, and is rich fertiliser for alienation.

Constant revolution in digital communication provides an unstable base for interpersonal and intergenerational understanding, and is rich fertiliser for alienation.

Suicide
Risk Factors for Social Media-Related Suicide

Phil Reed D.Phil. on August 22, 2024

The underlying reasons for addictions and compulsive behaviors and the types of social media use are more important than overall digital usage.

The underlying reasons for addictions and compulsive behaviors and the types of social media use are more important than overall digital usage.

Social Networking
Social Media as a Cause of Mental Health Problems

Phil Reed D.Phil. on June 4, 2024

Criticisms of evidence suggesting causal relationships between social media and mental health problems have some scientific merit, but clinically are wide of the mark.

Criticisms of evidence suggesting causal relationships between social media and mental health problems have some scientific merit, but clinically are wide of the mark.

Social Media
Can Social Media Cause Mental Health Conditions?

Phil Reed D.Phil. on March 28, 2024

Understanding links between social media and mental health conditions is not straightforward and requires an understanding of what mental health diagnoses involve.

Understanding links between social media and mental health conditions is not straightforward and requires an understanding of what mental health diagnoses involve.

Social Media
Understanding the Digital Swarm

Phil Reed D.Phil. on February 9, 2024

Studies of biological swarms give insight into digital swarming, allowing social media users to recognize and understand the behaviors of others in their digital group.

Studies of biological swarms give insight into digital swarming, allowing social media users to recognize and understand the behaviors of others in their digital group.

Social Media
Will Social Media Destroy Christmas Traditions?

Phil Reed D.Phil. on December 22, 2023

If Christmas traditions need social learning, their digital future is uncertain. Some say "good," but removing traditions may undermine social cohesion and learning opportunities.

If Christmas traditions need social learning, their digital future is uncertain. Some say "good," but removing traditions may undermine social cohesion and learning opportunities.

Social Media
Can Social Media Help the Search for Truth?

Phil Reed D.Phil. on December 19, 2023

Efforts to determine true posts have importance for disinformation management, but what if this misses the point, and the function of social media has nothing to do with truth?

Efforts to determine true posts have importance for disinformation management, but what if this misses the point, and the function of social media has nothing to do with truth?

ADHD
Is There a Link Between ADHD and Social Media?

Phil Reed D.Phil. on December 16, 2023

Caution is needed about claims that social media increases ADHD, but there are reasons why social media is preferred by those with ADHD, which may not lead to positive outcomes.

Caution is needed about claims that social media increases ADHD, but there are reasons why social media is preferred by those with ADHD, which may not lead to positive outcomes.