Ever feel like your social media feed knows exactly what you're thinking? It’s not magic—it’s math. In this episode of Breaking Formation, we dive deep into the invisible algorithms that curate your digital life and create what we call "reality bubbles."

Join hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, as they uncover how these digital feedback loops shape your opinions, reinforce biases, and distort your perception of the world. Are you seeing the whole picture, or just what the algorithm wants you to see? We discuss the psychological impact of echo chambers on teens and young adults and share real-life stories about getting trapped in the scroll.

Most importantly, we provide a flight plan for breaking out. Learn practical strategies to diversify your feed, spot algorithmic manipulation, and reclaim control over your online experience. Whether you're a parent worried about your child's digital diet or a young adult looking for clarity, this episode is your guide to staying grounded in a curated world.

What’s the weirdest thing an algorithm has recommended to you? Let us know in the comments!

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In This Episode:

0:00 - Intro: Is Your Phone Reading Your Mind?

2:13 - How Algorithms Actually Work

5:35 - The Impact on Young Adults & Teens

8:06 - Understanding Echo Chambers & Reality Bubbles

11:18 - Personal Stories: Trapped in the Feed

22:15 - How Algorithms Influence Our Beliefs

26:11 - Expert Advice: Maintaining Perspective

30:31 - Strategies for Parents & Teens to Break the Bubble

33:51 - Taking Back Control of Your Digital Life

#breakingformation #socialmedia #mentalhealth #echochamber #techpsycology #parenting #teens #onlinesafety

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Have you ever typed out a comment online, only to delete it out of fear of saying the wrong thing? In a world of online shaming and instant judgment, the fear of being "canceled" is real, especially for young adults. This episode of Breaking Formation tackles the pervasive anxiety surrounding cancel culture and its deep impact on our digital lives.

Join hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, as they explore how this constant scrutiny affects self-expression and mental health. They discuss why the threat of being "canceled" can feel like a physical injury and how it silences authentic conversation. Through personal stories and professional insights, Merryl and Shea offer a flight plan for navigating these turbulent digital skies.

Learn practical strategies for handling online criticism, including the "ACT" method: Acknowledge, Correct, and Transform. Discover how to respond to mistakes with accountability, give yourself and others grace, and build resilience against online mobs. This is an essential guide for anyone who feels the pressure to be perfect online and wants to learn how to engage with confidence and integrity.

Don't let the fear of judgment hold you back. Subscribe and follow Breaking Formation for more tools to navigate modern life.

#breakingformation #meantalhealth #youthdevelopment #cancelculture #fear

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the moment a child is born, their life is often documented and shared online. But what happens when that digital footprint starts to shape their reality? In this eye-opening episode of Breaking Formation, hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, dive deep into the phenomenon of "sharenting"—parents sharing their children's lives on social media.

This conversation goes beyond just embarrassing baby photos. Shea breaks down the psychological impact of growing up online, explaining how a parent's relationship with their phone can affect a child's brain development and attachment style. From the "secure" to the "anxious" attachment, discover how digital distractions might be rewiring the way the next generation connects with the world.

Merryl and Shea also tackle the tough questions:

• How does constant documentation affect a teenager's identity formation?
• What are the safety risks of sharing too much information online?
• How can parents respect their child's privacy while still celebrating memories?
• What practical steps can kids take to assert their boundaries respectfully?

Whether you're a parent navigating the digital age or a young person trying to reclaim your narrative, this episode offers vital insights into maintaining healthy relationships offline.

Don't miss this crucial discussion on navigating life in the digital era. Subscribe and follow Breaking Formation today for more insights on YouTube https://youtube.com/@breakingformationpodcast?si=ZJayGz8cXkwy1X69

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.