U of GH students, program leaders participated in an interdisciplinary panel, “Are your socials making you sick?”
Swipe, scroll, repeat – but at what cost? The University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) brought together students and leaders across three programs on a panel to answer a very timely question: Are your socials making you sick?
The event, which took place in March 2026 and was open to the U of GH community, united minds from the Community Social Services (CSS), Early Childhood Studies (ECS), and Psychology programs to provide broad perspectives on the topic. The panel comprised of: CSS student Ginuel Ramos, ECS student Emma Simms, and Psychology student Veronica Wood, as well as CSS Chair Dr. Olivia Boukydis, ECS Chair Dr. Elena Merenda, and Psychology Chair Dr. Alice Kim.
“For me, this panel fostered a community learning space to explore and discuss the influence of social media on our personal and professional lives,” Ramos said. “I wanted to serve as a panellist because the extraordinary transformation of social media in the present brings with it various repercussions and misconceptions.”
The group explored healthy ways of using social media, including setting boundaries and the benefits of using it intentionally (like using it as a tool for advocacy or education).
Since each group member brought a unique lens on the topic, the panel provided a diverse forum for those involved and those listening. For Simms, she said this experience reinforced the idea that collaboration across fields strengthens opportunities to support individuals holistically.
“When used thoughtfully, social media can help us better understand the developmental needs of young people, stay informed on relevant research, and connect with individuals in ways that feel familiar and accessible to them across different fields,” Simms said of social media’s positive elements.
Wood said that the biggest lesson participating in the panel taught her was to continue having open discussions on important and timely topics. It also allowed her to feel validated in her experiences with social media.
“The panel taught me that I’m not alone in needing to set these boundaries. While our digital age can bring about community, what isn’t discussed enough is when social media does the opposite and creates isolation. Having these crucial conversations can reduce the isolation,” she said.
While academic disciplines can overlap, cultivating diverse ways of thinking is a hallmark of the Guelph-Humber experience.
Starting Fall 2026, CSS will be called Social Services and Well-Being Studies (SSWS). To learn more about this exciting update, click here.