Logged in and Stressed Out: How Social Media Is Affecting Your Mental Health and What You Can Do About It

Psychologist Durlofsky debuts with an empowering take on the impact of social media on mental heatlh. If people are mindful about their expectations, she argues, and focus on the benefits of one’s online life to real-life friendships, social media can actually help change “behaviors, attitudes, and personalities” for the better. Through short case studies, Durlofsky provides examples of how social media can help with building new relationships, healing from breakups, and finding support while struggling with issues like substance abuse or depression. Durlofsky’s skill-building strategies at the end of each chapter—avoid absolute statements, take up mindfulness meditation, enjoy time alone—form the core of her advice for helping readers to create meaningful social interactions. In addition to guidance on online behavior, Durlofsky provides real-life practices based in tenets of relational psychology; a particularly illuminating section covers the “eight developmental crises” each person must make it through in life, and argues that, during the “digital age,” the “love versus isolation” phase during one’s teenage years has become a watershed moment of “developing the skills for establishing and forming lifelong intimate relations.” Durlofsky’s practical work will provide insight to any reader looking to creating a safe, healthy digital space. [em](Nov.) [/em]