OPEN Session – Members & Invited Guests
Impacts of Social Media on America’s Youth
Facilitator: John Gabos & David Hoy PhD, Myiceberg

Abstract:

In 2018 the insurance carrier Cigna conducted a survey of 20,000 Americans and reported that the loneliest generation of Americans was in the 18-22 year old age group. More than twenty-three peer reviewed studies have found a direct correlation with the increase in anxiety and depression and the adoption and usage of smartphones with this age group. One third of all incoming college freshman today report suffering from high enough levels of anxiety and depression that they feel they should seek mental health treatment.  John Gabos the founder of Myiceberg, a Minneapolis based company, is working with partners in the higher education, mental health and technology space to develop programs to enable young adults in this age group to use their mobile devices to begin to address some of the factors which have caused the anxiety, depression and loneliness plaguing this age group. John and Myiceberg Chief Science Officer, Dr. David Hoy, PhD, MA,LP, will share some recent data on this issue, some of the things that are being done, and what the future might look like. By becoming more aware of this issue, the wireless industry may direct some of our future efforts associated with social responsibility to supporting programs that can play a meaningful role in improving the mental fitness of our customers.

This session has been has been scheduled for one hour: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Eastern.