Mattering must be central in youth suicide prevention: York expert

Youth suicide is a growing concern in Canada, the U.S., and around the world, with some research suggesting this might be linked with excessive social media use in vulnerable teens. With Mental Health Awareness Month closing out this week, York University Psychology Professor Gordon Flett says he was motivated by a growing sense of alarm and frustration when undertaking a review of studies on mattering and youth suicide for his latest research.

York University students cut out social media for a week. The results ‘amazed’ researchers

Social-media break has huge impact on young women’s body image: York U study

There’s a large and growing body of evidence pointing to potentially negative impacts of social media on mental health, from its addictive nature to disruptions in sleep patterns to effects on body image. Now, a new study coming out of York University’s Faculty of Health found young women who took a social media break for as little as one week had a significant boost in self-esteem and body image – particularly those most vulnerable to thin-ideal internalization.

Social media use one of four factors related to higher COVID-19 spread rates early on

TORONTO, June 9, 2021 – Researchers from York University and the University of British Columbia have found social media use to be one of the factors related to the spread of COVID-19 within dozens of countries during the early stages of the pandemic.

Could the COVID-19 pandemic kill the influencer trend?

York University expert is available to explain how influencers are changing their game TORONTO, April 27, 2020 – Influencers are known for using social media to flaunt their extravagant lifestyle of luxury trips, shopping hauls and fine dining but the COVID-19 shutdown has put a stop to most of their “aspirational” posts, says Mangala Rao-D’Sa, […]

Why are youth flocking to TikTok to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic?

York University expert available to explain impacts of digital overconsumption on youth TORONTO, April 2, 2020 – Young people in isolation at home during the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming so immersed in social media that it could be damaging their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being, says Faculty of Education Professor Kate Tilleczek. With the COVID-19 […]

Why are youth flocking to TikTok to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic?

York University expert available to explain impacts of digital overconsumption on youth TORONTO, April 2, 2020 – Young people in isolation at home during the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming so immersed in social media that it could be damaging their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being, says Faculty of Education Professor Kate Tilleczek. With the COVID-19 […]

Is the “Kim Kardashian” influencer trend dying?

York University expert is available to explain the trend of ordinary people as influencers TORONTO, January 13, 2020 – Celebrity influencer marketing is shrinking in favour of regular people endorsing brands to their social media audiences, says Mangala Rao-D’Sa, an influencer marketing expert in York’s School of Continuing Studies. D’Sa, who is an instructor in […]

Managing the pressure of the ‘Insta-perfect’ holiday: Do's and Don’ts

TORONTO, December 11, 2019 –Whether it’s that perfect airbrushed closeup or table setting at a holiday party, or the pristine beach sunset picture, the flooding of images of holiday perfection can impact our mental health. The desire to have the perfect holiday can add undue pressure for some. Psychologist and associate professor at York University’s Faculty […]

Managing the pressure of the ‘Insta-perfect’ holiday: Do's and Don’ts

TORONTO, December 11, 2019 –Whether it’s that perfect airbrushed closeup or table setting at a holiday party, or the pristine beach sunset picture, the flooding of images of holiday perfection can impact our mental health. The desire to have the perfect holiday can add undue pressure for some. Psychologist and associate professor at York University’s Faculty […]