Matters of the Mind: Resilient Minds in a Digital World: Social Media, Mental Health, and Real Connection

Many people feel caught between needing to be online and feeling drained by constant digital noise. Social media and news feeds are engineered to grab our attention, yet not everyone is affected in the same way. This presentation looks at how resilience and meaningful connection can help people maintain better boundaries and protect their mental health in a hyper-digital world.

This session will explore the mental health impacts of social media and digital overload, with a focus on anxiety, low mood, and emotional exhaustion. We’ll highlight research on resilience and social support, and how these factors can shape the way people experience and respond to their online environments. We’ll bring forward strategies for recognizing problematic patterns, strengthening protective connections, and moving toward a more balanced relationship with technology.