RIPPLE - Social Media Impact on Youth

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Phys.org (emerging source, score: 65/100), recent research has shed light on the impact of Eurocentric beauty standards on self-image in young people. A study published in Body & Society found that Reddit users reported struggles with their self-image after years of exposure to facial filters and stereotypes online. The causal chain is as follows: * **Direct cause**: Exposure to Eurocentric beauty standards through social media (facial filters, pop culture) and centuries-old stereotypes. * **Intermediate step**: Internalization of these external beauty norms, leading to a distorted self-image among young people. * **Effect**: Self-image struggles, potentially contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This study affects the following civic domains: * Mental Health * Youth Mental Health * Social Media Impact on Youth The evidence type is research study. The findings are based on a survey of Reddit users and provide qualitative insights into their self-image struggles. There is uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of prolonged exposure to Eurocentric beauty standards. If left unaddressed, this could lead to further mental health issues among young people. Depending on how social media platforms respond to these concerns, we may see changes in content moderation policies aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity.

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Calgary Herald (recognized source), police are investigating indecent AI photos created and shared by Calgary students. The images, described as "both concerning and highly inappropriate," have sparked concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health. The causal chain begins with the creation and sharing of explicit content using AI, which is a direct cause → effect relationship. This immediate effect leads to an increase in exposure to indecent material among young people, potentially triggering feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame. In the short-term (weeks to months), this could lead to decreased self-esteem, social isolation, and reduced mental well-being among affected youth. Intermediate steps include: 1. Social media platforms' algorithms amplifying explicit content, making it more accessible and visible to young users. 2. Parents and caregivers being unaware or uninformed about the extent of their child's online activities, failing to provide adequate guidance or support. 3. Schools and educational institutions struggling to address the issue due to resource constraints or lack of expertise. The domains affected by this news event include: * Youth Mental Health * Social Media Regulation * Education Policy Evidence type: Event report (police investigation) Uncertainty: If social media platforms fail to take adequate measures to moderate explicit content, then this could lead to a significant increase in exposure rates among young people. Depending on the effectiveness of current support systems and resources available to schools, the impact on youth mental health may be exacerbated.

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to The Tyee (recognized source), a recent report has highlighted the widespread presence of scam ads on Canadian social media platforms, including Pinterest (https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2026/02/02/Scam-Ads-Pinterest/). These fake campaigns have resulted in Canadians losing millions of dollars. The causal chain of effects on youth mental health can be described as follows: Direct cause → effect: The proliferation of scam ads on social media platforms, including Pinterest, can lead to increased stress and anxiety among young users. This is because these ads often create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) or urgency, prompting users to click on them without fully considering the consequences. Intermediate steps: 1. Exposure: Young users are exposed to scam ads on social media platforms, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. 2. Click-through behavior: Users may click on these ads, either out of curiosity or a desire for financial gain, further increasing their exposure to potentially distressing content. 3. Financial loss: In some cases, users may lose money to these scams, exacerbating existing financial stressors. Timing: The immediate effects of scam ad exposure can be short-term, leading to increased anxiety and stress among young users. However, the long-term consequences may include: * Increased risk-taking behavior as users become more desensitized to online threats * Decreased trust in social media platforms and institutions * Potential mental health outcomes, such as depression or substance abuse Domains affected: The article highlights the potential impact on various civic domains, including: * Mental Health: The stress and anxiety caused by scam ad exposure can contribute to existing mental health concerns among young users. * Social Media Regulation: The proliferation of scam ads raises questions about social media platform accountability and regulatory frameworks. Evidence type: This is a report from a recognized news source, highlighting the existence and impact of scam ads on Canadian social media platforms. Uncertainty: While the article provides insight into the prevalence and consequences of scam ads, it is unclear how widespread this issue is among young Canadians. Further research would be necessary to determine the scope and severity of these effects.