P.S.A the Mental Health Podcast · Izzy Baker

Social Media and You: How Online Habits Are Rewiring Our Mental Health Feat. William Sharpe

·52 min·1 clip

Therapy isn't just advice—it's a space to process things and heal; the reluctance many men feel is based on misconception.

This episode of P.S.A the Mental Health Podcast explores the relationship between social media habits and psychological well-being, featuring licensed professional counselor William Sharpe. Host Bubba Wallace engages Sharpe, who specializes in counseling adolescents and young men through his practice and Instagram platform, on the specific toll online engagement takes. Sharpe recounts how his initial vision for his practice, inspired by the TV show *Frasier*, shifted to focus on men after they expressed gratitude for connecting with a therapist who looked like them. The conversation references a Netflix film about a mother cyberbullying her daughter to illustrate the severe potential of online harassment. Statistics cited include a Pew Research Center finding that 83% of Americans aged 18-29 use social networking sites, a period when mental illnesses often surface. Sharpe explains his therapeutic approach starts by identifying a client's goals to help them discover purpose, a key driver for men. He argues that social media comparison is flawed because the content represents only a "small sample size" of reality among billions of people. His strategy involves "positive reframing" and a strengths-based approach, urging clients to focus on "what you can do" rather than what they cannot. A surprising insight is Sharpe's personal admission that he is "not really drawn to" social media and it constitutes a small fraction of his daily life. The episode challenges the use of AI like ChatGPT for emotional processing, questioning whether it replaces human connection or even spiritual faith. Sharpe applies Maslow's hierarchy of needs to explain why high-functioning men might "crumble in private" while thriving publicly, linking it to a craving for acceptance that depletes internal energy. For those claiming to use social media only for business but struggling with doom-scrolling, practical suggestions include setting a strict cut-off time or outsourcing content management. The discussion is grounded in scripture, with the host citing Proverbs and Matthew on guarding one's "eye gates" and "ear gates" from negative influences. The tone is a casual, conversational interview between two acquaintances, blending personal anecdotes with professional expertise. It maintains an educational focus while feeling like a relaxed discussion, often circling back to themes of faith and personal accountability. This episode is ideal for young adults, especially men, who feel overwhelmed by social media comparison or are curious about therapeutic perspectives on digital habits. Listeners seeking a highly structured, data-heavy analysis or those averse to Christian references might choose to skip it.

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