In her Ted Talk, Bailey Parnell discusses the effects social media has on mental health, specifically, on a person's social currency. Social currency is something we use to give value, and something that is exhausted when it comes to social media. Parnell explains this phenomenon by describing us, the posters, as the products. The product is given value shown through likes, comments, etc. For example, if I post a photo on Instagram, people show what they think that post is worth through the attention they give through likes and comments. If I do not get enough likes I might take that post down because it does not withhold a lot of worth, the product not selling enough. People are very conscious of what they post, and it is made very clear whether or not others value (like/dislike) it. This is related with an abundance of issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-confidence issues. Many experience seeing others' highlight reel, thinking those whose posts they see are living a better, happier life than them.
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