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!

👍 Like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

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

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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

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Ever wondered what it takes to bring a 30-year-old dream to life? In this special episode of Breaking Formation, the tables are turned as co-host Shea Phinney, MFT, interviews Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), about her incredible journey creating the graphic novella, "Shatter the Sky."

Join them for an inspiring conversation that peels back the curtain on the creative process. Merryl shares the story behind the story—from a long-held idea to finding the right collaborators and navigating the challenges of independent publishing. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, the power of community, and trusting your vision against all odds.

Discover the lessons Merryl learned about patience, building a team, and the emotional journey of reliving her experiences to create something new. If you've ever had a passion project you've wanted to pursue, this discussion will give you the motivation to take the next step.

Don't miss out on more inspiring stories. Subscribe and follow "Breaking Formation" wherever you get your podcasts.

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In a world of filters and carefully crafted captions, who are you really? Welcome to "The Profile and The Person," an episode that dives deep into the growing divide between our digital selves and our authentic selves.

Join co-hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney MFT, a child development and psychology expert, as they explore the pressures of maintaining a perfect online image. They discuss the psychological strain this creates, especially for teenagers navigating identity formation in the age of social media.

This episode unpacks the importance of understanding your personal value system—your internal GPS—and how it can guide you toward genuine self-expression. Merryl and Shea share personal stories and offer practical advice on how to shift your focus from chasing likes to building authentic connections. Learn how to embrace your true self, imperfections and all, and use social media as a tool for creativity and connection rather than comparison.

If you've ever questioned the reality behind the screen, this conversation is for you.

Don't miss out on future discussions. Subscribe and follow "Breaking Formation" for more insights on navigating our ever-changing world.

In This Episode:

0:00 - The Perfect Selfie vs. Reality

2:40 - Defining the Digital Self vs. The Real Self

4:07 - How Social Media Impacts Teenage Brain Development

6:43 - When Does Presenting "Wins" Become Damaging?

7:13 - Using Your Personal Value System as a GPS

10:58 - Practical Advice for Staying Authentic Online

15:30 - Finding Who You Are By Finding Who You're Not

18:14 - Why Our Brains are Wired for Authentic Connection

20:34 - Next Episode Teaser

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mlnHvgCH0q0

#BreakingFormation #Authenticity #DigitalSelf #MentalHealth #youth #subscribe #subscribetoourchannel #youthmentalhealth #controlyourdestiny #emotionalintelligence #socialmedia #parenttips #mft #childdevelopment

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