Ask Dr. Steve: How artificial intelligence is making social media more addictive and damaging (Part 2) | News, Sports, Jobs
Publish Date: 2026-05-02 19:03:00
Source Domain: www.standard.net
Here is a summary of the article using an unordered list:
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AI manipulation of social media feed: AI algorithms track user behaviors to optimize content specifically for emotional engagement, regardless of the psychological cost to the user.
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Content generated by AI: AI not only suggests but also creates content in a way that blurs the line between reality and the artificial, making it harder to discern truth.
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Impact on body image: AI filters alter faces and bodies in real-time, leading users, especially young women, to believe these unrealistic standards are “normal” and leading some to seek plastic surgery.
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AI-generated influencers: These artificial personas promote products and beauty standards to highly engaged audiences who may be unaware they are interacting with fictional characters.
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Spread of misinformation: AI can generate convincingly real fake images, videos, and audio, contributing to the erosion of trust in media and public events.
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Vulnerability of youth: Children and teens are especially susceptible to the addictive and identity-altering effects of social media due to their developing brains and identity formation processes.
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Parental guidance: Parents are encouraged to model healthy tech use, delay smartphone access, and educate their children about the digital world while creating phone-free environments.
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Self-protection strategy: Individuals should be aware of AI manipulation, limit notifications, set app timers, follow content that promotes wellbeing, and take regular breaks from social media to engage with the real world healthily.
