Are we sacrificing our mental well-being at the altar of social media and Big Tech? In this episode, I sit down with 21-year-old Thanasi Dilos, a pioneering voice for his generation's mental health and digital safety. Forgoing college to advocate for change, Thanasi shares his powerful journey, shedding light on the toll that tech companies’ profit-driven models take on millennials, Gen-Z, and Gen Alpha. Through his work with the youth-led organization Design It For Us, backed by influential supporters like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Thanasi is mobilizing change to confront the unchecked influence of social media on our psychological health.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Mental Health Toll of Social Media: How Big Tech’s business models exacerbate mental health struggles in young people and the urgent need for change.
• A Generation’s Call for Digital Safety: Thanasi’s efforts to mobilize young people, creating initiatives that prioritize ethical data practices and user well-being.
• Building Empowered Digital Experiences: Strategies for empowering youth to take control of their digital lives and protect their mental health.
• The Rise of Youth-Led Advocacy: Insights into how Thanasi’s organization, Design It For Us, is shaping the conversation on online safety and advocating for ethical reforms in tech.

This episode is more than just an interview—it’s a powerful call to action for a safer, more conscientious digital landscape. Whether you’re navigating the effects of social media yourself, a parent concerned for your child’s well-being, or simply interested in the future of mental health in the digital age, this conversation offers crucial insights into the transformative steps needed to protect the next generation.

RESOURCES:

✧ Connect with Thanasi at www.thanasidilos.com

✧ Share your story or take action at https://designitforus.org/

✧ Read more about “Wait Until 8th” at https://www.waituntil8th.org/

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The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

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