OUGD505 STUDIO BRIEF 02 PRODUCT, RANGE & DISTRIBUTION MATT FRASER

Social Media
& Mental Health
Whilst it may be overlooked, social media addiction is
a bigger problem than many people think. Social networks
are addictive because they are mainly believed to be an
extension of ourselves.
OUGD505 STUDIO BRIEF 02 PRODUCT, RANGE & DISTRIBUTION MATT FRASER

Too Much Screen

Time Damages
the Brain
The average teen and adult spend over 9 hours on-
screen per day. Whether this be social media related
or not, it has been found that digital addiction can
lead to shrinkage, or loss, of tissue volume in the brain.
OUGD505 STUDIO BRIEF 02 PRODUCT, RANGE & DISTRIBUTION MATT FRASER

What are the

effects of this?
Due to the brain behaving differently, short-term effects that
can be caused as a result of excessive social media use include
lack in concentration, motivation, tiredness and procrastination.
More severe psychiatric disorders that can develop include
depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and more.
OUGD505 STUDIO BRIEF 02 PRODUCT, RANGE & DISTRIBUTION MATT FRASER

Real-life social
consequences
According to various sources, 57% of people talk to
others online more than they do offline. Furthermore,
60% of people under 25 years old admit that they have
to check Facebook at least once per day. This addiction
to the digital world can take peoples focus away from
what is important in the real-world. Awareness and
physical social skills are being affected.
OUGD505 STUDIO BRIEF 02 PRODUCT, RANGE & DISTRIBUTION MATT FRASER

Is there a
possible solution?
Whilst the most obvious solution for preventing social media
addiction is to completely stop using digital platforms, it is
important to remember that using social media in regulation
is healthy and okay. The main problem that many people face
is the self-determination to moderate their time on such platforms.
An effective solution should investigate ways in which people can
physically be deterred and prevented from over-using social media.
OUGD505 STUDIO BRIEF 02 PRODUCT, RANGE & DISTRIBUTION MATT FRASER