From Dopamine to Disappointment: Mental Health and Connection in the Digital Age (Summer Series 24')

In today’s digital world, our constant use of social media can affect our mental health in surprising ways. At first, checking notifications gives us a quick dopamine boost, making us feel happy and connected. However, this quick fix can lead to a cycle of disappointment. We may compare our lives to others and feel left out or anxious. The more we rely on digital connections, the less we may feel satisfied or valued. It’s important to balance our online activities with face-to-face interactions and take breaks from screens. Understanding how digital habits impact our emotions can help us make healthier choices and build stronger, more meaningful connections. In this episode on AI, wellness, and DEIJ featuring Dr. Matt Bellace, we talk about mental health and teenage complexities. Dr. Bellace explores how the brain's reward system impacts teenagers, especially with screens and social media. He discusses how screens can act like addictive substances by providing intermittent rewards, similar to gambling. Dr. Bellace also highlights the risks of constant social media use, noting its potential to increase anxiety and negatively affect mental health. Additionally, he talks about the importance of real-life activities and genuine social interactions over screen time to foster mental well-being, and how teachers can integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum to develop the kids to be global citizens. Stay tuned to learn more! Episode Timestamps [01:42]  Dr. Bellace Background Information [03:25]  Can the brain interpret positive experiences as negative experiences? [04:14]  How to effectively teach about the brain’s reward system [07:45]  How social media influences self-perception and jealousy [10:31]  Concern over screen addiction and generational differences in tech impact [14:13]  How social media impacts mental health [15:53]  How Teenagers develop resilience and cope with disappointments [18:20]  Social media aiding grief [20:41]  How connection without face-to-face interaction impacts well-being [23:58]  How teachers create inclusive classrooms to address unique mental health [26:09]  Ways to prevent burnout include building a supportive social network [29:24]  How teachers integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum [31:16]  Wrap up tactical approach and final advice to listeners   Notable quotes ●     "We’ve become accustomed to using social media for a quick dopamine hit, but that doesn’t build long-term happiness. It’s temporary and can lead to emotional burnout." ●     "True connection isn’t measured by the number of likes or followers you have, but by the quality of the relationships you nurture offline." ●     "Setting clear boundaries with technology is essential both for maintaining your mental health and for deepening your real-world connections." Connect With Dana Specker Watts  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/teachwatts⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Mike LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/⁠ More Resources Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more. Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org The ISS EDUlearn® Passport is the ultimate subscription for your professional development. Try it out now: ⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/gqytehA3⁠