health

I’m a young woman, and people keep telling me the internet has ruined my brain. Is this helpful?

A new ruling valuably highlights the ways social media can damage very young users. But has it really ruined my whole generation?

I’m a young woman, and people keep telling me the internet has ruined my brain. Is this helpful?

TL;DR

  • The author critiques the narrative that social media has definitively ruined young women's mental health, finding it overly simplistic and damaging.
  • She posits that a decline in childhood independence and a broader loss of agency are more significant factors contributing to mental health issues, predating the internet's widespread use.
  • The article argues for an empowering, feminist approach to social media, focusing on autonomy and constructive engagement rather than solely on online harms.
  • The author suggests that the 'ruined brain' narrative is profitable for some and that a more nuanced view is needed, acknowledging that many young women thrive online.
  • A recent US case finding Meta and YouTube liable for addictive product design is mentioned, highlighting potential harms to very young users.

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