37 Best Social Media Effects Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Jon Favreau, the chronically online host of Pod Save America, puts down his phone for an hour each week to go deeper on the questions shaping this chaotic moment in history. From the future of democracy and AI to raising kids and staying sane, Offline makes room for honest conversations, arguments you haven't heard, and ideas that might change your mind. New episodes every Saturday. New episodes drop every Saturday, wherever you get your podcasts and on the Offline YouTube channel. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked's work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Offline with Jon Favreau, Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, and Lovett or Leave It, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts. more

Under the Influence is a deep dive into social media, a place haunted by aspirational marketing where it feels like every other person is a social media influencer trying to sell you something, all while posed in perfect houses that never seem to get messy. And behind this airbrushed perfection is money, so much money. Billions and billions of dollars. Journalist and mom Jo Piazza looks at how we got here, what it all means and how the commodification of every single aspect of our lives is driving everyone (but mostly women and mothers) a little insane. more

We gave children the most powerful tools in human history. Then, we left them to their own devices.When she was 12 years old, Ava Smithing spiraled down a social media rabbit hole that nearly cost her life. A decade later, she discovered she wasn't alone: Big Tech had rewritten childhood and adolescence for her entire generation. Armed with questions and a year to find answers, Ava embarked on a cross-continent investigation into a hidden digital world. She met teens in 12-step programs for social media addiction, young girls wrestling with compulsive porn use, and boys who had been blackmailed by international cybercriminals. This isn't a self-help guide to digital wellness. It's a survival story from the front lines of 21st century childhood: where young people are re-writing the playbook for what it means to be human in a hyperconnected world. more

Join co-hosts Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin every other Thursday to understand how new technologies are shaping the way we live, work, and think. Your Undivided Attention is produced by our Senior Producer Julia Scott and our Executive Producer Josh Lash. We are a member of the TED Audio Collective. more

Taylor Lorenz explores how technology and the internet are upending our lives and the world around us. Each week, she explores everything from online fame to emerging platforms, viral phenomena, the creator economy, and much more. Tune in every Wednesday for regular episodes and every Friday for 'Free Speech Friday,' her series on tech policy and the fight for civil liberties online. more

The Smart Social Team teaches parents, educators, and students how to stay safe on social media so they can Shine Online. We show you how to audit your Google results and use your social media accounts as a portfolio of positive accomplishments. We keep it tactical and practical with tips you can use to better understand how to navigate the digital world as a parent, student, and educator. Learn more at SmartSocial.com more

Join Delaney Ruston, MD — a leading authority on parenting in the screen age and the filmmaker behind the award-winning Screenagers movies — as she explores the challenges parents face raising kids in today's digital world: think smartphones, social media, video games, and more. Through interviews with experts, thought leaders, and young people themselves, Parenting in the Screen Age delivers the latest science, practical tips, and key insights that parents will want to implement — and share — with their kids and teens. more

An internet culture news podcast that explores themes surrounding viral stardom, the creator economy, and how social media is shaping Gen Z. Hosted by Centennial World founder Lauren Meisner & deputy editor Annabel Bendavid. more

Jamie Bartlett asks why, in so many parts of modern life, fakery is no longer punished - it's rewarded. And why so many of us seem strangely unbothered by it. more

Off the Grid is a podcast for artists, writers & creative business owners who want to leave social media without losing all their income. ✌️ Our host, Amelia Hruby PhD, shares stories, strategies & experiments for growing your business with radical generosity & energetic sovereignty. 🌐 Get the FREE Leaving Social Media Toolkit at offthegrid.fun/toolkit more

Scrolling 2 Death is a podcast for parents who are worried about social media. Through interviews with parents and experts, we explore smartphone use, screen time, school-issued devices, social media use and so much more. more

Social Media and Politics is a podcast bringing you innovative, first-hand insights into how social media is changing the political game. Subscribe for interviews and analysis with politicians, academics, and leading digital strategists to get their take on how social media influences the ways we engage with politics and democracy. Social Media and Politics is hosted by Michael Bossetta, political scientist at Lund University. Check out the podcast's official website: https://socialmediaandpolitics.org. more

a commentary & video essay series, focused on pop culture, social issues, and all things 'Extremely Online!' hosted by Tiffany Ferguson AKA tiffanyferg more

We're a mother/daughter team both working in the world of social media management. Join us as we share our different perspectives on life today, including trends, fashion, friendships and career, and how social media impacts it all. Together, we bring two perspectives to one conversation.  more

Reimagining the Internet is a production of the Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure at UMass Amherst, asking scholars, activists, journalists, and artists what is broken on the internet and how to fix it. more

Our kids are growing up in an experiment no generation has faced before. Smartphones, social media, and online culture have become the dominant forces shaping their mental health, their relationships, and their sense of self. The results are devastating: skyrocketing anxiety, depression, and a generation more connected yet lonelier than ever. We had no idea how destructive the algorithms, deliberately engineered to turn our children into addicts, would prove to be.The Bad Mom Podcast: Parenting The Anxious Generation is the show for parents who see what's happening and refuse to accept it as inevitable. Host Vivian Glyck brings the credibility of a TED speaker and founder of Just Like My Child Foundation, plus the authenticity of a mother who personally navigated her son's mental health struggles. She is not lecturing from the sidelines. She is in the fight with you.Each episode features conversations with thought leaders like Dave Asprey, JJ Virgin, and Lisa Nichols, as well as parents in the trenches dealing with screen addiction, algorithmic manipulation, cyberbullying, and the daily struggle to protect kids from a digital ecosystem built to hook them. Vivian also brings the most current information on social media legislation and the policy battles being fought right now to protect our kids, because this is not just a parenting problem. It is a public health crisis that demands a public response.No judgment. No shame. Just honest dialogue, real strategies, and a path to collective action. Because when parents speak together, their voices carry. Through Project Grit, the show connects families to a growing movement working to hold platforms accountable and push for laws that actually protect children.Vivian channels 20+ years of work with vulnerable families worldwide into helping parents reclaim their kids from the online forces working against them. If you have ever felt powerless watching your child vanish into their phone, this podcast proves you are not alone, you are not helpless, and your voice matters more than you know. more

Parenting doesn't have to feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to screens. Screen Less Play More is the podcast that helps modern parents raise healthy, balanced, and confident kids in a world dominated by technology.Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak, each episode blends practical strategies, expert interviews, and the latest child-development research on screen time, play, mental health, digital habits, and healthy tech boundaries. You'll learn how to reduce screen use without power struggles, encourage independent and imaginative play, and support your child's development from the baby years through the teen years. We will give you screen free activities to try, as well as book recommendations on the best parenting books about screen time. If you've ever wondered how to manage phones, gaming, social media, or kids' tech requests — or how to bring back more free play, outdoor time, creativity, and childhood joy — this show gives you clear, realistic answers. Discover why unstructured play and risky play boosts emotional resilience, how nature supports healthy brain development, and what parents can do to prevent screen overuse, digital addiction, and burnout. This is the place for busy moms and dads to learn about digital health, healthy screen habits, and how to manage kids and technology. We give you ideas for screen-free activities, screen-free Sunday, and family dinner. We cover topics from friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle, to critical thinking for kids, to screen free entertainment. We also cover EdTech and it's influence on modern schools, why you might want to opt-out, and how to manage Chromebooks and laptops in the classroom. Ed Tech is not technology education, and we explain the difference to you and how kids can learn valuable media literacy. We also stress the importance of bell to bell cell phone bans in schools, as well as why more play and recess can be the solution to slumping test scores. Cynthia uses her experience as a mom of two neurodivergent boys to help you manage screen time in regards to ADHD, autism, Asperger syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences. She knows what works for her family, and will help yours too!You'll hear episodes on:Age-appropriate screen time guidelinesThe negative effects of too much screen time. Helping kids who are struggling with gaming or social media, including addiction.Building healthier tech habits as a family.What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?Play-based learning, Montessori/Waldorf/Reggio Emilia and homeschool approaches.Encouraging outdoor play in all weather.Is social media safe? Can I make social media safe? What are the best parental controls for smartphones?How to make room for boredom, creativity, and independenceHow to reduce screen time without fights. Raising resilient, curious, emotionally healthy kids.Simple, screen-free activities toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids love, plus the screen-free toys you can use to get some rest as a parent. Whether you're parenting babies, toddlers, elementary kids, tweens, or teens, Screen Less Play More gives you inspiring ideas and relatable conversations to help your family thrive. If you're a busy parent wanting more connection, more play, and fewer tech battles — you're in the right place.Take a listen, screen a little less, and play a little more — your kids' childhood depends on it.Website: screenlessplaymore.comInstagram & Facebook: @screenlessplaymorescreenless playmoreYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMoreSubstack: https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/ more

Helping parents navigate screen time, social media, and online safety — grounded in research, not fear. The Screen Guardians Podcast is your go-to resource for digital wellness and screen time guidance for kids and teens. Hosted by parent, educator, and digital health advocate Katie Longhauser, each episode helps families take the guesswork out of screen time, social media, apps, gaming, and online safety. This isn't about control — it's about empowerment. Because raising kids in the digital age doesn't come with a manual, but it should come with guidance you trust. Every episode is designed to help you: • Understand how developing brains respond to screens, dopamine, and social media • Get practical, research-backed strategies for building healthy digital habits • Navigate social media, gaming, online predators, and digital footprints with confidence • Feel calm and capable instead of overwhelmed and alone Whether you're parenting a toddler with a tablet or a teen with a group chat, you'll find honest conversations, expert interviews, and real tools you can use tonight. Not anti-technology. Pro-child. You don't have to navigate screen time alone. 🎧 Learn more, join the newsletter, and explore the Parent Portal at thescreenguardians.com more

In bits: Deconstructing our digital lives Dr Liam Challenor and Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton explore areas of cyberpsychology that you're curious about, with a different topic every two weeks. From social media 'addiction' to attention span changes, from trolling and harassment to online activism, from gaming to online dating, from misogyny to radicalisation online. Our lives are fully immersed in technology, and people have concerns about how it might be affecting us all. There is a lot of poor media reporting and scaremongering in the field of cyberpsychology, but far less evidence-based content to offer an alternative. This podcast is informative and educational, directly addressing peoples' concerns, worries and hopes, while also being entertaining and enjoyable to listen to. We breakdown challenging and sometimes difficult topics 'in bits' to make them approachable, fun and easy to understand. more

The Unplugged Awakening is a podcast for people who are ready to reclaim their time, peace, and power from media addiction.If you're tired of the endless scroll, digital overwhelm, and feeling disconnected from your true self—this is your space to heal, awaken, and unplug for real.Hosted by spiritual teacher, master coach and digital detox guide Michael Mackintosh, each episode blends honest stories, mindful practices, and liberating insights to help you break free from screen addiction and reconnect with your soul, your purpose, and real life.From dopamine detox tips and spiritual resets to interviews with media recovery survivors and wellness experts—this podcast is your path to clarity in a noisy world.Unplug. Awaken. Reclaim your life.New episodes every week. more

The good podcast about bad media influences, investigating the bad faith arguments, dodgy data, and moral panics behind claims that the media influence our behaviour and manipulate our minds. more

Our young people live in an increasingly digital world. While technology can improve our lives in many ways, we ask: do the benefits of social media for young people outweigh the harms? In this podcast, we explore why it is so hard for young people to put their phones down, and the mental health challenges rising alongside their online lives.Through lived-experience, expert insights, and honest conversations, we aim to understand what is happening for our tamariki online and what we can do to protect their precious mind during those formative, developmental years.This podcast is about listening, learning, and not shying away from the hard truths. Understanding what is really happening for young people online is the first step to keeping them safe.Hosted by Matilda Green, content creator, presenter and mother of three, and Dr Maneesh Deva, paediatrician and health innovator working on the front lines of our hospitals and ICUs, One Young Mind brings together a compelling mix of voices and perspectives to explore the challenges, pressures and realities young people face on social media.One Young Mind is brought to you by the team behind B416, with support from 2degrees and their Fairer Phones programme, and iHeartRadio.Follow us @b416.nz or find out more at b416.co.nz more

Disconnected shines a light on the secrets and the impact that social media and technology is having on our society, culture, politics, human interactions, and behaviour. My name is Jag Sharma - and I've spent the last 12 years creating, developing and executing social media strategies for a number of global brands across a variety of industries, and have witnessed first-hand the impact that algorithms, behaviour modification, negative feedback loops, ad targeting, and mass data collection have had on shaping our world in a new direction. This podcast is all about making you aware - giving you the insight, a look behind the giant tech curtain - and allowing you to make your own fully-informed decisions on how you strategically play (or don't play) their game. This is not about advocating for going dark or deleting your accounts, this is about looking under the hood and getting more informed about what's really happening to us on a societal level as result of our tech driven lives. I'll be producing a new episode regularly, so be sure to subscribe to receive a notification for a new release - you can also follow me on either Instagram (@jagsharma) or add me on LinkedIn, where I'll be conducting debates and social experiments from the discussions within the episodes. I'd love for you to join the conversation and share your thoughts and opinions on how social media and technology is influencing our lives. more

Parents Uncharted is a new podcast that explores the unprecedented challenges modern parents face navigating the digital landscape and social media pressures. Hosted by Sarah Adams - internationally recognized child advocate and creator of Mom.Uncharted - this podcast dives into the modern realities of parenting Generation Alpha: managing screen time, social media, mental health, and finding hope amid anxiety-inducing headlines.Through expert interviews and candid stories from real parents, Parents Uncharted offers insight, empathy, and actionable advice to help families thrive in today's complex digital word. Each episode blends heart and research to uncover how technology, culture, and connection are reshaping childhood and how parents can adapt with confidence.If you've ever wondered how to raise resilient, grounded, and future-ready kids in an online world, this podcast is your trusted guide.Sarah is on a mission to inspire the conversations that parents need to have, but aren't necessarily ready for. She also looks forward to exploring other topics at the intersection of technology, climate change, and mental health. Because there's no map for modern parenting, but we can chart it together.About The Host:Sarah Adams is the creator of online communities Mom.Uncharted and Kids Are Not Content. Proudly named in the TIME 100 Creators List, she is passionate about helping parents rethink how to share, protect, and raise kids in an online world. more

In a world full of distractions, have you ever wondered what's quietly draining your focus and pulling you away from meaningful connections? People spend on average 3-4 hours daily on their phones leading to 70% more procrastination, a 50% drop in focus, and weaker relationships. This podcast will help you to overcome these issues. Here's what you'll learn: 1) The dangers of the online world and other emerging technologies 2) How tech companies prey on our attention, and how to reclaim your focus 3) Strengthen real-life relationships by balancing your digital and offline life more

Like Me is a podcast about visibility: Who gets it, what it costs, and what happens when it goes away. Hosted by writer and creator Jordan Reid, Like Me explores the rise of influencer culture from the inside out: the early days of blogging and social media, the performance of 'authenticity,' and the strange emotional aftermath of building a public self before anyone knew the rules. Through candid conversations with creators, writers, and internet originals—and deeply personal reflection—Like Me looks at how visibility reshaped identity, ambition, money, motherhood, mental health, and power. more

Our children's mental health is under attack.From the age of 11, they're bombarded with information and messages via the smartphones in their pockets. Parents are struggling to protect them from the dangers of the digital world.Parents vs. The Internet is the Daily Mail's unmissable podcast, which asks what we can do to keep our young people safe and better protect their mental health.Hosted by the Daily Mail's Liz Hull and Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna Ghey tragically lost her life in an incident that was planned using the internet, this 10-part series explores what caregivers; teachers; and policymakers can do to support young people in leveraging technology for good, and safeguard them from the bad. more

PsyberSpace® is a weekly psychology podcast for curious people who want to understand why the world feels the way it does, online and offline. The show helps you name what you're seeing and feeling, understand the science behind it, and figure out what to do next. If you've ever wondered what makes 'reply guys' tick, why we fall for emotionally manipulative language in politics, why meetings suck, why comfort can keep us stuck, why limerence hits so hard, or how music and media reshape your brain, you're in the right place. New episodes drop every Monday to help you understand your world a little better each week. PsyberSpace looks at how psychology, media, and big systems shape everyday life. Some weeks it's algorithms, AI, and social platforms; other weeks it's work culture, gender and power, climate anxiety, grief, or the way capitalism sets the baseline for what 'normal' looks like. Each episode breaks down how these patterns show up in real people's bodies and minds—and what you can do to respond with more clarity, care, and agency in your own life, work, and community. 2025 Webby Award Honoree 2026 Women in Podcasting Award Nominee 2025 Women in Podcasting Award Nominee 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Nominee more

A podcast about fostering social media empowerment among teens, youth, and adults through the power of art. Recognizing the dual nature of social media as both enriching and potentially detrimental to mental health, host Jeff Hinderscheid, along with youth ambassador and co-host Victoria Jones aim to spark discussions that benefits self-regulation and provide alternatives to excessive social media use through artistic expression. Jeff and Victoria lead us on a journey through exploration of ways to develop a healthy relationship with social media through this podcast as an engaging medium. more

We delve into the intricate relationship between mental health and social media in a candid conversation. From the highs of online connection to the lows of comparison culture, we explore how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok impact our self-esteem, anxiety levels, and overall mental well-being. Each episode features interviews with social media influencers, who share their experiences. We'll examine phenomena like cyberbullying, addiction, and digital detox, and discuss practical strategies for maintaining mental balance in a hyperconnected world. more

Raising kids in a digital world isn't simple.The Tech Addiction Experts Podcast is for parents trying to navigate screen time, smartphones, social media, and the challenges of raising kids and teens online.Hosted by licensed mental health and addictions counselor Chris Koniarczyk, the show goes beyond hot takes and surface-level advice. You'll hear real conversations with therapists, experts, and parents about what kids are actually experiencing online and what helps.Each episode gives you practical insight so you can respond in a way that actually works. more

The Social Media Detox Podcast is your go-to companion for taking a break from the digital world. Based on The Social Media Detox Program, each episode features in-depth interviews with a variety of experts—including therapists, doctors, academics, and social media professionals—who explore the science and psychology behind social media's impact on our brains, relationships, and overall well-being. more

In this podcast series, we explore the impact that smartphones, social media, and various digital platforms have on both children and adults. We explore the motivations behind the new LBUSD phone policy, highlighting its significance for students' well-being, academic success, and the overall school environment. Additionally, we discuss how educators, parents, and students can collaborate to help students reclaim their focus and thrive in today's digital age. more

Hosted by Alex Drachnik, Clout Nine dives into the real world of social media. How people built online careers, what they were doing before the internet found them, and how gaining massive online popularity affects their mental health, relationships, and daily lives. Each episode features creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone who has built a full-time living online sharing the unfiltered stories behind their screens. Clout Nine pulls back the curtain on the digital world we are living in. more

Schnelle Acevedo is the founder of Brooklyn Active Mama , one of NYC's leading family lifestyle blogs with over 100,000 monthly visitors. She spent the past 14 years creating digital marketing campaigns for Disney, Netflix, Amazon, and P&G—learning exactly how algorithms, psychology, and data manipulation work from the inside. Now, as a certified digital literacy educator teaching workshops across NYC schools and libraries, she's pulling back the curtain on the systems that content creators, marketers, and tech companies use to capture attention. Smart With Screens delivers insider knowledge about technology that schools aren't teaching. From understanding how Instagram's algorithm decides what goes viral to spotting sophisticated AI scams, from navigating phone bans to using AI ethically—this podcast gives parents, educators, teens, and content creators the real information they need to thrive in a digital world. Each episode breaks down complex tech topics into practical, actionable strategies. Whether you're a parent worried about screen time, a teacher addressing AI in the classroom, a content creator trying to beat the algorithm, or a teen trying to understand social media—you'll find honest, jargon-free education here. Topics include: social media algorithms, content creation strategies, deepfakes, online scams, AI ethics, digital wellbeing, neurodivergence and technology, phone policies, and authentic digital citizenship education. Hosted by a Brooklyn native, former PTA President, Girl Scout leader, and founder of BAM Digital Media LLC (certified MWBE). New episodes weekly. Schedule a virtual or in person workshop at bamdigitalmedia.info more

Dear Friends, Are you alone in your school, a circle of friends, or family? Is social media the only place to feel chilled, yet a bit addicted? Don't worry! Stay tuned with our monthly talks on 'Alt-social' with versatile guests. Cordially, Love 🦁, Case🐈⬛ and Akky🦊 p.s. Dear parents & teachers, Alt-talk opens a new horizon for podcasts. It is not just for information sharing but also for sharing soul and vibes with younger generations. Through each programme presented by specialists, listeners can experience and absorb various approaches to social media and general digital questions. more

Welcome to 'Democracy Bytes,' where we deeply explore the intricate relationship between technology and democracy. I'm Alice, your guide on this journey into our increasingly digital democracy.Throughout this series, we'll investigate pivotal topics and their multifaceted impacts on our democratic society. We'll explore the effects of AI and social media on democracy, as well as the interesting dynamics of how technology affects democracy. In each episode, we'll be joined by an array of policymakers, experts, and ordinary people, each offering rich insights and diverse perspectives on the ethical, regulatory, and societal ramifications of technology, AI and social media. Our discussions will tackle controversial and complex topics, from potential biases in AI and the need for content regulation to the ethical dilemmas arising from advancements in artificial intelligence.As we uncover the impacts of AI and social media on our societal norms, individual rights, and the very fabric of democracy, we hope to enlighten you with insightful and interesting perspectives on the many new ways to participate in the democratic process. more