Digital Dilemmas: Navigating Social Media Scenarios

Instructions: In your small groups, read each scenario. Discuss the challenge presented and brainstorm healthy, effective strategies to navigate the situation. Be prepared to share your solutions with the class.

Scenario 1: The Comparison Trap

Your friend Sarah constantly posts pictures of her seemingly perfect life – exotic vacations, expensive clothes, and always looking flawless. You find yourself scrolling through her feed feeling inadequate and jealous, even though you know online portrayals aren't always realistic. You spend more time comparing yourself to others online than enjoying your own life.

Discussion Questions:

• What are the negative emotions Sarah's posts are causing you?
• How might you adjust your social media habits to combat the "comparison culture"?
• What strategies can you use to remind yourself that social media often shows only a curated highlight reel?
• When is it appropriate to unfollow or mute someone for your own well-being?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: The Echo Chamber Effect

Lately, your news feed is filled with posts and articles that all agree with your current political views. You rarely see differing opinions, and when you do, they are often presented in a negative light. You're starting to believe that everyone thinks the same way you do, and you find yourself less open to hearing other perspectives.

Discussion Questions:

• What is an "echo chamber" in the context of social media?
• Why is it important to expose yourself to diverse viewpoints, even if you disagree?
• What steps can you take to diversify the information and opinions you see on your feed?
• How can you critically evaluate information to avoid misinformation?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: The Notification Addiction

You get constant notifications from various social media apps – likes, comments, new posts, messages. You feel a compulsive need to check your phone every time it buzzes, even in the middle of studying or talking with friends. You're finding it hard to focus, and your sleep is suffering because you're always on your phone.

Discussion Questions:

• How do constant notifications impact your focus and daily life?
• What are some practical boundaries you could set regarding notifications and screen time?
• How can you create a "digital detox" period or designated "no-phone" zones?
• What benefits might you experience by reducing your reliance on notifications?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4: The Pressure to Post

You're at a fun event with friends, but instead of just enjoying the moment, you feel a strong urge to capture and post everything on social media to prove you're having a good time. You worry that if you don't post, people will think you're boring or left out. This pressure sometimes prevents you from fully engaging in real-life experiences.

Discussion Questions:

• Why do people feel pressured to post everything on social media?
• How does the pressure to document and post affect your ability to live in the present moment?
• What strategies can you use to prioritize real-life experiences over digital showcasing?
• How can you cultivate a sense of self-worth that isn't dependent on online validation?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

My Digital Well-being Action Plan

Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Reflecting on My Social Media Habits

Take a moment to honestly reflect on your current social media usage.

1. Which social media platforms do you use most frequently?
   
   
   
   

2. How much time do you estimate you spend on social media daily? (e.g., less than 1 hour, 1-2 hours, 2-4 hours, 4+ hours)
   
   
   
   

3. What are 1-2 positive things you gain from social media? (e.g., connecting with friends, learning new things, entertainment)
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What are 1-2 challenges or negative feelings you sometimes experience because of social media? (e.g., comparing yourself to others, feeling anxious, wasting time, seeing misinformation)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Setting My Digital Well-being Goals

Based on your reflections and the strategies we discussed, set some personal goals to improve your digital well-being.

Goal Area 1: Setting Boundaries (Time & Notifications)

• Current Habit: How often do you check your phone or social media without thinking?
  
  
  
  
• My Goal: I will try to limit my social media use by:
  • Setting a daily time limit (e.g., 1.5 hours):
    
    
    
    
  • Turning off notifications for specific apps (which ones?):
    
    
    
    
  • Creating