Book
60 Days of Disconnect – A Personal Perspective of How Social Media Affects Mental Health
60 Days of Disconnect
– A Personal Perspective of How Social Media Affects Mental Health
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, 16-year-old Keegan Lee made the bold decision to disconnect from social media for 60 days. In the pages of this book, she reflects candidly on her cathartic journey, journaling the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that arose as she navigated life without the constant digital distractions.
Complementing Keegan’s personal narrative is a psychological perspective from Dr. Bilal Ghandour, who delves into the deeper causes and meanings behind her behaviors and mental processes. The authors aim to increase awareness about using social media in a responsible and healthy way. They want to show how such usage can have a positive impact on the world around us.
At the heart of this work lies a deeper understanding of the universal human behaviors that underpin our complex relationships with technology. By sharing Keegan’s story and coupling it with expert analysis, the authors aim to empower readers to reevaluate their own digital habits and unlock the true potential of social media as a tool for connection and growth.
Keegan W. Lee
Keegan Lee is a sophomore honors student and the prestigious James R. Copland & Lillian G. Copland Scholar at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Pursuing a dual degree in Psychology (B.S.) and English (B.A.) with a concentration in medicine, science, and literature, Keegan’s multifaceted academic background has already positioned her as a rising star.
Beyond the classroom, Keegan’s exceptional accomplishments span public speaking, tech ethics, and mental health advocacy. Her ability to blend diverse perspectives and communicate complex ideas has earned her recognition as a thought leader, particularly on the topic of technology’s impact on human wellbeing.
With a deep passion for understanding the human experience, Keegan’s personal journey of disconnecting from social media for 60 days serves as the foundation for this impactful work. Coupled with insights from renowned psychologist Dr. Bilal Ghandour, Keegan’s story offers a unique and powerful exploration of the profound influence of social media on
Bilal Ghandour, Ph.D.
Bilal Ghandour, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Elon University and practices as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Pediatric and Family Behavioral Health in Charlotte, NC. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in the fields of anxiety and personality disorders.
At Elon, he also helps the cross country, track, and golf athletes improve their performances through enhancing their psychological strengths. Born and raised in Lebanon, Bilal Ghandour speaks fluent French and Arabic. He moved to the United States with his wife in 2000 where he permanently resides. He has an 18-year-old son and two cats.
Testimonials
Media Features
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Discovery Education●28 April, 2024
Defying The Digital Dilemma.
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Media Hubb●21 March, 2024
Psychologist: Social Media Break Feels Like Addiction Withdrawal.
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The Other Half●23 January, 2024
How do I achieve what I want?
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How to Fall like a Superhero●14 September, 2023
No Social Media For 60 Days, Can You Do It?
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Mental Health America●30 August, 2023
Am I addicted to Social Media Featuring Keegan Lee.
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Mental Health America●30 August, 2023
Is Social Media Making me Depressed Featuring Keegan Lee.
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National Public Radio●17 May, 2023
Teens say social media is stressing them out, here’s how to help them.
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Poke Your Brain●13 April, 2023
Socials lowkey suck.
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Look Up Live: Gen Z’s Digital Decalogue●1 March, 2023
60 Days of Disconnect, with Keegan Lee.
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Psychology 123●31 August, 2023
Digital Wellness with Author Keegan Lee.
Featured Articles
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People●17 October, 2024Teen Who Wrote the Book on Breaking Social Media Addiction “Wants to Be an Inspiration” (Exclusive)
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People●17 October, 2024Celebrate International Day of the Girl with PEOPLE’s Girls Changing the World in 2024 (Exclusive)
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The Herald Sun●22 April, 2024NC teen talks mental health after deleted social media apps
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The Charlotte Post●28 April, 2024Social Media Addiction Leads Teen to Advocacy.
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The Ground News●22 April, 2024It was All-Consuming: How one Teen’s Social Media Addiction Turned into Advocacy.
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The News and Observer●22 April, 2024NC Teen Turns Social Media Addiction Into Something Positive.
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Media Hubb●11 April, 2024How One Teen’s Social Media Addiction Turned to Advocacy.
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Government Technology●22 April, 2024UNC-Chapel Hill Student Turns Phone Addiction into Advocacy.
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Government Technology●6 April, 2024Social Media Issues and 60 Days of Disconnect.
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Look Up. Live●1 May, 2023I Deleted Social Media During the Pandemic.
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Alamance News●2 May, 2023Keegan Lee Wins $50,000.00 Scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill.
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Elon University●23 February, 2023Mebane Enterprise highlights Bilal Ghandour’s support for teen’s book about deleting social media.
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Mebane Enterprise●1 February, 2023Disconnecting to Connect: One Teen’s Social Media Advocacy Journey.
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Smiley News●1 May, 202217-year-old leads project for youth well-being.
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Smiley News●1 May, 2022Top 10 Heroes of 2022.
Presentations
60 Days of Disconnect
A Personal Perspective of How Social Media Affects Mental Health