Recent data shows a sharp rise in anxiety and depression among young adults and youth (GenZ). Haidt (2024) links increased suicidality in girls and "failure to launch" in boys to the prevalence of social media and video gaming. To address this crisis, we must first understand how emotional regulation develops, enabling confidence in risk-taking, decision-making, and self-identity. When these developmental processes are disrupted by an unhealthy environment, mental health declines. Therapy can support these missed developmental opportunities through neurobiological, cognitive-behavioral, and attachment-based interventions.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/Socialmedia/viewSocial media, Living for whom? The impact of insta-living on mental wellness and brain development
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT - 1:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Rebecca Soffer, PhD and Faye F. Walkenfeld, PhD and Meira L. Orentlicher, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, CRA
Course Length: 3 Hours
Recent data shows a sharp rise in anxiety and depression among young adults and youth (GenZ). Haidt (2024) links increased suicidality in girls and "failure to launch" in boys to the prevalence of social media and video gaming. To address this crisis, we must first understand how emotional regulation develops, enabling confidence in risk-taking, decision-making, and self-identity. When these developmental processes are disrupted by an unhealthy environment, mental health declines. Therapy can support these missed developmental opportunities through neurobiological, cognitive-behavioral, and attachment-based interventions.
1. Introduction and Defining Anxiety (10 minutes)
2. Understanding Emotion Regulation (10 minutes)
3. Feedback Mechanisms and Emotional Regulation Development (25 minutes)
4. The Role of Attachment in Emotional Development (15 minutes)
6. The Impact of Technology on Brain Development and Mental Wellness (20 minutes)
7. Therapeutic Interventions to Promote Emotion Regulation
8. Case Studies and Application (25 minutes)
9. Summative Remarks and Q&A (15 minutes)