How Twitter Impacts Our Well-being

We explore  the intricate relationship between Twitter and society with Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello, a fourth-year PhD student at the University of Toronto. Victoria's research sheds light on the psychological effects of Twitter use, exploring how the platform shapes well-being, mental health, and social connections in a polarized digital landscape.

Our conversation unpacks the ways in which social media can amplify feelings of belonging or deepen divides, depending on how it’s used. Victoria discusses how specific Twitter behaviors—whether fueled by outrage or driven by engagement algorithms—can influence mental health, political polarization, and even perceptions of truth in the news. The challenges of pinpointing causality in social media research are a recurring theme, as we examine the subtle interplay between user motivations, online interactions, and societal outcomes.

Listeners will also find practical insights into navigating Twitter responsibly, balancing its potential for connection with its risks to mental health and societal cohesion. From understanding the psychology behind angry tweets to reflecting on how social media can distort political realities, this episode offers a thoughtful lens on the broader impact of platforms like Twitter.

Victoria wraps up by sharing her vision for future research, exploring the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse and individual well-being. Whether you’re curious about the psychology of social media, the effects of media outrage, or the link between social media hype and political bias, this episode provides a compelling and nuanced take on the digital age.

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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.

Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.

Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...