Social Media’s Dopamine Trap: The Addictive Impact on Teen Mental Health and Why It Matters.

Lawmakers are currently considering mandating warning labels on social media platforms to disclose the mental health risks to users under 18. The U.S. Surgeon General has stated that these risks range from depression to disruption of nervous system regulation. WSBT 22’s Kyland Hall spoke with neuroscience experts to explore why these platforms are so addictive and how this addiction can contribute to anxiety and disconnection among teenagers.

According to Dr. Ambreen Ghori, a Bowen Center Psychiatrist, dopamine plays a crucial role in our brain’s reward pathway, making us seek out activities that make us feel good. However, social media can distort the perception of those who already view the world through a negative lens, exacerbating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Nancy Michael, Notre Dame’s Director of Neuroscience and Behavior, emphasizes that the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of social media. She explains that these networks can disrupt its natural growth and function, highlighting the importance of a balanced nervous system architecture in the healthy development of young individuals.

As the debate over the addictive nature of social media apps continues, some students have taken drastic steps to limit their usage while others struggle to break the cycle of late-night scrolling. In conclusion, experts hope that greater transparency and regulation by lawmakers will shed light on the detrimental effects of social media on mental health and promote a more balanced approach to technology use and mental health awareness.