Social Media and Mental Health

But does Will Ferrell have a vomity face? In this episode, we dive into how social media has influenced our perspectives and interactions in relationships. Bekah shares insights from her experiences as a midwesterner while Ruha brings a unique background as an engineering content creator to the conversation. We discuss the challenges and joys of modern communication and the impact of online discourse on our lives. We kick things off discussing how social media can amplify opinions that we never asked for, as highlighted by a thought-provoking quote. It reflects on the pervasive noise we face online, where unfiltered comments can damage our mental health. Bekah elaborates on her strategy of curating her social media feeds to focus on humor and relatable content, rather than engaging in divisive conversations. Ruha shares her experiences with negative comments and how she draws humor and positivity from them, reminding us that "When you engage, you give them a stage." Throughout the episode, we reminisce about funny family moments, including chaotic trips with moms to Painted Tree. Ruha shares her humorous experiences in navigating social situations and gift-giving while injecting wisdom on the importance of carrying on traditions and nurturing connections through thoughtful gestures. We also touch on the concept of using social media as a platform for authenticity amid the curated perfection often seen online. As we reflect on the influence of social media, we confront the misconception that it presents reality. Both Ruha and Bekah share stories about the pressure to measure up to seemingly effortless parenting showcased online, leading to self-doubt. We emphasize the necessity of recognizing truths behind social media claims, particularly those related to success and parenting. Ruha exposes the deceptive nature of influencer culture, where spectacular success rarely reflects reality and is often a straight up lie. Towards the end of our conversation, we discuss a particularly profound topic related to recognizing one's worth, especially in the context of past relationships. Bekah shares her journey of self-acceptance, underscoring the importance of valuing oneself independent of external validation. Ruha relates this back to pop culture, examining the portrayal of abusive relationships in television and the lasting effects these narratives have on our views and experiences. Finally, while attempting to answer a lighter question about the most ridiculous beliefs we've encountered, we explore the contrast between serious life lessons and dumb parenting myths. We may talk about serious stuff, but we always bring it back to the funny side because laughter is essential to the human experience. If you can't laugh, what's the point? This episode reflects on how we engage with the world—both online and off—as we navigate life and self-acceptance in an age dominated by social media noise. Chapters 0:22 Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake Podcast 0:41 Social Media and Its Influence 4:58 Engaging with Trolls 10:38 The Space Debate 15:18 Reality vs. Social Media 25:01 Ridiculous Beliefs 30:09 Parenting Challenges 33:40 Energy and Positivity 34:47 Midnight Snacks