TED Interview Series: How to Deal with Difficult Feelings

Host: Chloe Shasha Brooks

• Focus: Anxiety
• Guest: Naomi Shimada, Author and Model
• Book: "Mixed Feelings" - explores emotional impact of digital habits

Key Topics Discussed

Relationship between Social Media and Anxiety

• Social Media Exacerbates Anxiety:
  • Reflects insecurities related to relationships, body image, work, etc.
  • Acts as a marker for areas needing self-work
• Human Desire for Connection:
  • Social media as a primary communication and work mode blurs boundaries

Dealing with Social Media-Induced FOMO

• Understanding Anxiety Triggers:
  • Question why certain content evokes anxiety
  • Reflect on personal emotions and reactions
• Managing Social Media Use:
  • Consider taking breaks (e.g., weekends off) or removing social media apps
  • Acknowledge personal sensitivity and adjust usage accordingly

Questions to Ask Before Posting on Social Media

• Purpose of Sharing:
  • Why share this content now?
  • Is it for validation or genuine connection?
• Privacy Considerations:
  • Respect private moments and others' consent to be online
• Self-Awareness:
  • Recognize when posting reflects personal needs or desires

Anxiety Around Social Justice Activism Posts

• Authenticity vs. Optics:
  • Reflect on personal actions beyond social media optics
  • Recognize the difference between performative posting and genuine activism
• Importance of Self-Reflection:
  • Engage in deep self-reflection to understand personal biases and societal systems
  • Offline reflection can lead to genuine change
• Call-Out Culture Concerns:
  • Social media may inhibit open and intimate discussions on mistakes and learning

Additional Insights

• Social media is not always conducive to intimate or vulnerable conversations
• Need for spaces that allow mistakes and encourage learning

Conclusion

• Naomi Shimada emphasizes the importance of questioning and reflection in managing social media-related anxiety
• Encourages the audience to consider deeper personal and societal implications of their online actions