“When your mental health becomes impacted by social media then it is time for a detox.” — Germany Kent Are you indulging in social media? How do you feel? Host Keerthi, who loves social media, navigates the negatives and positives of various platforms. She advocates for embracing imperfection and showcasing authenticity as well as digital detoxes. Keerthi also encourages celebrating other's successes, big or small, and showing kindness to strangers. Keerthi then interviews high school junior, Niru Shivakumar about the connection between mental health and social media. Niru is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Offline, which has been one of her main focuses for three years. She works with 5th grade classes across the Bay Area to educate students about the dangers and repercussions of social media as well as the effects it can have on mental health before they reach middle school. She does not use social media. Reporter, Kirpa, joins the conversation to discuss the pros and cons of social media and how it can affect our mental health. Her parents do not allow her to use social media and she understands that is because they care and want to keep her safe and healthy. If you use social media, remember, you are more than your follower count, more than your most liked post, and more than the sum of your social media presence. Make sure to proofread every word before you hit send and keep your mental health front and center. Be yourself and don’t strive for perfection as perfection doesn’t exist. And consider being OFFLINE! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio • https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ • https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/