In “What’s Trending”, hosts Patricia Wu, Jessica Reyes, and guest Dr. Kristen Gurdak discuss the dangerous phenomenon of social media mob mentality. Dr. Gurdak breaks down why social media can sometimes turn into a digital mob scene and what it tells us about human psychology.
Social Media’s Pressure to Conform
The desire to belong can lead us to adopt popular opinions on social media, even if we disagree. This suppresses critical thinking and individuality.
The Viral Spread of Misinformation
Social media allows unverified information to spread rapidly, feeding mob mentality. We must learn to question what we see online.
Protecting Mental Health from Social Media
Comparing yourself to unrealistic online images is damaging. Prioritize real-world connections and learn to reduce social media consumption.
