Social media has become a huge part of our daily lives, but its effects on our brains are more profound than many realize. Neuroscientists and experts who study the brain have found that social media use can change how our brains work. These changes can affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in surprising ways.
For this list, I’ll explain 15 shocking ways that social media is rewiring our brains, according to recent scientific research.
Shortens Attention Span
Social media platforms are designed to provide quick, bite-sized pieces of information. Constant exposure to short content trains our brains to expect instant gratification, which can make it harder to focus on longer, more complex tasks over time. Neuroscientists have found that heavy social media users often struggle with sustained attention and deep reading.
Triggers Dopamine Release
Using social media can cause our brains to release dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel good. This happens when we get likes, comments, or other forms of social validation online. The brain starts to associate social media use with pleasure, which can lead to addictive behavior. This dopamine cycle is similar to what happens with other addictive activities.
Increases Multitasking
Social media encourages us to juggle multiple streams of information at once. We might scroll through a feed while watching TV or talking to friends. While this might feel productive, neuroscientists say it’s actually training our brains to be easily distracted. True multitasking is a myth, and this behavior can reduce our ability to focus deeply on one task.
Alters Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Social media can intensify our fear of missing out on social events or experiences. This constant connection to what others are doing triggers anxiety in many people. Neuroscientists have found that this FOMO can lead to increased stress levels and compulsive checking of social media. It can also make it harder to enjoy the present moment.
Changes Sleep Patterns
The blue light from screens can interfere with our brain’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Using social media before bed can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce sleep quality. Poor sleep can then affect brain function, memory, and mood the next day.
Reduces Face-to-Face Social Skills
Spending a lot of time on social media can affect our ability to read facial expressions and understand non-verbal cues in real-life interactions. This is because online communication lacks many of the subtle signals we use in face-to-face conversations. Neuroscientists worry this could lead to decreased empathy and social skills over time.
Increases Comparison and Self-Doubt
Social media often shows idealized versions of people’s lives, which can lead to constant comparison. This can activate areas of the brain associated with self-evaluation and negative self-thought. Over time, this can lead to lower self-esteem and increased rates of depression and anxiety.
Affects Memory Formation
The constant stream of information on social media can overload our working memory. This makes it harder for our brains to process information deeply and form long-term memories. Neuroscientists have found that people who constantly check social media often have trouble recalling specific details from their feeds.
Changes Reward Pathways
Social media likes and shares can activate the same brain circuits as eating chocolate or winning money. This rewires our brain’s reward system to seek out these digital “hits” of pleasure. Over time, this can make it harder to find satisfaction in offline activities and relationships.
Increases Impulsivity
The instant nature of social media can train our brains to act on impulse. We might share thoughts without thinking or make quick judgments based on limited information. Neuroscientists have found that this can lead to decreased impulse control in other areas of life as well.
Alters Perception of Time
Scrolling through social media can put our brains in a state similar to light hypnosis. This can make time seem to pass more quickly than it actually does. Many people find themselves losing track of time while on social media, which can interfere with productivity and real-life responsibilities.
Also read: 25 Interesting Facts About Gen Z Culture
Affects Emotional Regulation
Constant exposure to emotional content on social media can overwhelm our brain’s ability to process emotions. This can lead to emotional exhaustion or numbness. Neuroscientists have found that heavy social media users often struggle with emotional regulation in their offline lives as well.
Changes Risk Perception
Social media can expose us to a skewed view of the world, which can alter our perception of risk. We might become overly fearful of rare events that we see posted often, or underestimate common risks that don’t get as much attention online. This can affect our decision-making and behavior in real life.
Increases Need for Social Approval
The likes and comments on social media activate parts of our brain associated with social acceptance. Over time, this can increase our general need for social approval, even offline. Neuroscientists worry this could lead to increased anxiety and people-pleasing behaviors in real-life social situations.
Alters Sense of Self
Curating our online presence can actually change how we view ourselves. The version of ourselves we present online can start to feel more real than our offline selves. Neuroscientists have found that this can lead to a fragmented sense of identity and increased feelings of inauthenticity in real-life interactions.
The Dirty Dozen: 12 Everyday Items in Your Home That Are Surprisingly Toxic
The Dirty Dozen: 12 Everyday Items in Your Home That Are Surprisingly Toxic
12 Significant Health Downsides of Drinking Alcohol
12 Significant Health Downsides of Drinking Alcohol
10 Harmful Stereotypes About Women That Need to Go
