Does social media really harm mental health?

A new Curtin University study has challenged the perception heavy social media use has a significant impact on mental health, finding little to no relationship between the two.

Amplifying the echo chamber

Elon Musk’s changes to the way Twitter works has increased its vulnerability to manipulation by individuals and groups pushing extreme political ideologies.

Politics for the people

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been accused of fracturing and distracting society, but a new approach aims to use a similar approach to bring people together to explore consensus solutions.

Slippery slope

Social media posts of risky escapades at spectacular locations are still encouraging a stampede of copycats with sometimes disastrous results.

What the experts say on…social media restrictions

The Australian government has committed itself to imposing an age limit on social media before the next election, but is this a desirable or workable solution?

Talkin’ bout my generation

Social media is negatively impacting the life satisfaction of Australian high school students, according to the latest findings from Australia’s largest survey of young people.

Saving kids from social media?

In response to growing public concern about the social affects of social media, the Albanese government will introduce legislation to enforce a minimum age for children to access major social platforms.

The downside of doomscrolling

In a world first study on the impact of doomscrolling from an existential perspective, Flinders University researchers warn that habitual checking of disturbing stories on social media is linked with changes to how we view humankind and the meaning of life.

Might social media be good for you?

Social media gets a bad rap these days, but it’s worth considering the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ we use social media when we’re thinking about whether it’s good for our mental health

What the experts say…on social media bans for young people

Opposition leader Peter Dutton announced that he would like to implement a social media ban for children, and the Prime Minister followed suit by noting that technology restricting children’s social media access is still being developed but a ban would be a ‘good way to go’. What do Australia’s experts say on the situation?

Fear and loathing in Australia

As we muddle through the complexities of the 21st century, progress appears to be stifled by a media keen on angering its audience, rather than informing them.

Don’t follow the leader

Social systems in which influence is focused around one person or a small number of individuals may create environments where new ideas are ignored, and innovation is hindered.