The new Inside Out 2 movie will feature four fresh emotions that are bound to strike a chord with its audience. One of these emotions is ennui, which refers to a type of boredom typically experienced by pre-teens and teenagers. As a child psychologist with OSF HealthCare, Kyle Boerke highlights the significance of teaching children to identify and label their emotions from an early age. According to him, the first Inside Out film played a pivotal role in helping kids develop this skill.
Parents can utilize the Inside Out movies as a powerful tool for educating their children about the importance of acknowledging and understanding their feelings without stigmatizing them. With social media becoming increasingly prevalent among young people, it’s crucial to recognize its potential impact on mental health. Up to 95% of kids aged 13-17 and nearly 40% of those aged 8-12 use social media platforms, making it essential to be aware of its effects.
The pressure to present an ideal image on social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression among users. Dr. Boerke discusses the phenomenon of comparing oneself to influencers on social media, known as “upward social comparison,” and emphasizes its negative consequences. To mitigate these issues, he advises limiting exposure to social media and avoiding individuals who engage in negative behaviors such as body shaming.
