How Social Media Alienates Us from Our Own Lives, Author Warns

Social media is "alienating" us from our own lives, says author Kathryn Jezer-Morton. In an interview with PBS News' Geoff Bennett, Jezer-Morton argues that social media platforms urge people to use certain "best practices" when creating content, or they "risk being invisible." She says, "The platforms are encouraging this kind of conformity for sure." She adds that it's "really alienating" when social media, society's main communication medium right now, "only lets us say a very certain kind of thing." Jezer-Morton's new book explores how the pressure to perform on social media affects our mental health and relationships. She discusses the ways in which algorithms prioritize engagement over authenticity, leading to a homogenization of content. This can make individuals feel isolated and disconnected from their true selves. The interview also touches on the role of parents and educators in helping young people navigate social media. Jezer-Morton offers advice on how to use these platforms more mindfully and reclaim agency over our digital lives. This segment provides a thought-provoking analysis of a pervasive issue.