3 ways to defend your mind against social media distortions

In this Big Think video, Luke Burgis, Todd Rose , and Amishi Jha explore the intricacies of social media's influence on human desires, opinion, attention, and overall mental health.

The discussion encompasses the enticing nature of rapid opinion formation, the concept of mimetic desire and its amplification through digital platforms, and the profound implications of the 'Attention Economy' where user focus is commodified. They address the creation and consequences of digital illusions, offering a nuanced examination of social media's dual role as both a democratizing force and a potential source of toxicity.

Through their analysis, Burgis and Jha provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges posed by online interactions and suggest mindfulness as a tool for individuals to regain control over their attention and desires in an increasingly digital world. This presentation serves as a critical reflection on the modern digital landscape and its effects on society.

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About Luke Burgis:

Luke Burgis is a veteran entrepreneur and author. He’s the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship in Washington, DC, and the founder of Fourth Wall Ventures, an incubator that invests in people, art, and technology that contribute to a healthy human ecology. Luke studied business at NYU Stern before doing graduate work in philosophy and earning an S.T.B. in Theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. He’s the author of the book Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life, which popularized the work of cultural anthropologist René Girard. He lives with his wife, Claire, in the DC area.

About Todd Rose:

Todd Rose is the co-founder and president of Populace, a think tank committed to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior to Populace, he was a faculty member at Harvard University where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and directed the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the best selling author of Collective Illusions, Dark Horse, and The End of Average. He lives in Burlington, Massachusetts.

About Amishi Jha:

Dr. Amishi Jha is an internationally renowned neuroscience researcher, speaker, and author in the fields of attention, resilience, and mindfulness. She studies how to keep the brain’s attention systems in peak shape over high-pressure intervals. Over the past two decades, she has conducted large-scale studies with the US Military, first responders, medical professionals, business leaders, elite sports teams, and more. Her research reveals that the science is clear: You can change your brain to become more attentive, present, and productive.

[rowmiry]

I recently left social media and only stayed with documentaries and videos for knowledge on youtube, best decision. I feel less anxious and stay within myself and put my attention on what matters. I no longer feel like i need to buy things to be happy or compare myself to others, i feel peace.

[luisgentil]

I have ADHD and over the years struggling with this avalanche of information we've been subjected to this last decade or so, I've come to realize how valuable my attention is. When I heard "your attention is the product" this realization became even clearer. They say that it takes on average 25 minutes to refocus once you're distracted. I don't know how much that is for ADHDers but probably a couple hours. If companies want your attention that's because it's valuable, so don't just give it away for nothing.

[perry.playss]

Gave up social media 2 months ago and I’ve never felt so much clearer mentally. I don’t think people realise just how much social media messes with your mind. The introduction of short form content is one of the worst things to ever happen to human kind and I think people don’t talk enough about it.

[JaySmith-pvmw]

The two best things I've done in recent years are to stop watching the news and delete social media. Yes, sometimes I get lonely but I now devote my time, effort, focus and money on productive endeavors and people who deserve them.

[ihssene_]

I've been leading a life of peace since I got back to my old flip phone.. to be honest I do miss socials, I am constantly bored and want to see what people are doing but I know my life will be ruined entirely if I go near Instagram again.. GOD the hours I wasted scrolling ... Now I have Access only to YouTube and I still feel I'm getting robbed, there's something about these platforms that kills you from the inside.

[Ondrix]

The best way to defend yourself against social media... is to not be on it. Unless you are using it for something like a business contact, it's not a necessity and you can just simply not use it.

[vasfar]

1.- Not being fans of the source/creator
2.- Not covering the truth for the "benefits" of attention.
3.- Know that they want to show "Success" within the system, not outside it.

[chillydawgg]

So glad social media didn't exist yet when I was in my teens & twenties. I have one social media account & I'm exhausted with it after 5 minutes.

[xiaonaihu]

I stoped scrolling social media and it indeed decreased lateral comparison anxiety, diverted attention to documentary films for studying dividends, while the sufferings of others around the world somehow triggered the mind as if i was suffering. Making adjustments from time to time😊

[cookiecaticat]

I have been practicing mindfulness for little over a week now (25mins per day) and I definitely have gotten better at catching myself going down a negative spiral.

[RICKONORATO]

When I ride the trains and watch people these days, all I see are zombies on their phones. When I look over their shoulders to see what is so engrossing, I'm appalled.

[offtheradarsomewhere.]

In the quiet void within our mind,
We truly exist completely unbind..💙💫🙏

[gokhalesh]

Three people, delivering a very vast complex subject in 15 minutes, that's why they are experts !, Thanks for bringing them in

[skiff]

I got rid of my phone, and i feel a million times better. I finally feel alive!

[joelharris]

Use social media with moderation. Spend more time outdoors with friends and loved ones. Try not to talk about politics around loved ones. There!

[GungaLaGunga]

Oh perfect!!! These topics and strategies are exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you from one human to another.

[Belleza]

Since I understood social media was a waste of time, I’ve tackled my everyday tasks more efficiently. Surprisingly, I no longer need to sacrifice hours of sleep to finish stuffs. You can start by monitoring your screen time. Great vid! Thanks, BT team!

[alexplotkin]

Everyone should embrace dancing as a hobby. Great hobby, physically, emotionally and for mental health.

[MicahScottPnD]

I'm very glad to see this one, it's just loaded with practical information! ❤

[KChrisWatching]

I absolutely love this video. It frightens me what has happened — I try to share this type of info with others. This is so useful!