The Epidemic of Comparison | Noelle Grady | TEDxYouth@Chatham

Social Media & Mental Health - Social media platforms are designed with filters and editing tools that distort reality, creating an environment where users constantly compare themselves to others [6] - The National Institute of Health reports that 87% of women compare themselves to peers, celebrities, or influencers online, highlighting comparison as an addiction [7] - Reducing social media usage by 50% can lead to significant improvements in sleep, mental health, and self-image [14] Dopamine & Addiction - Social media use releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure, making it potentially addictive [5] - Activities like exercising and spending time with family also release dopamine, but social media provides a more intense and potentially addictive dopamine rush [5] Impact on Teenagers - Teenage girls spend an average of 2 to 3 hours daily trying to create Instagram-worthy posts, raising questions about the authenticity of these moments [3] - Comparison on social media can lead to negative self-talk and feelings of self-hate, impacting self-worth [4][12] - The pressure to look perfect on social media can lead to unhealthy behaviors like calorie counting, with some individuals consuming as little as 300 calories daily, while an average active 14-year-old girl should consume around 2,000 calories [10] Solutions & Awareness - Awareness and intention, along with setting boundaries, are crucial to reducing the effects of comparison and slowing its growth [15] - Finding alternative activities, such as sports, can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and sense of self, shifting focus from social media validation to personal strength and power [12][13][14]