Social Media Addiction and Mental Health: A Closer Look at the Risks for Young Users

The debate over the use of social media, particularly among young users, has led lawmakers to consider mandating warning labels on these platforms. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, social media can pose significant mental health risks to users under 18, ranging from depression to disruption of nervous system regulation.

WSBT 22’s Kyland Hall spoke with neuroscience experts to explore why social media is so addictive and how this addiction can contribute to anxiety and disconnection among teenagers. Dr. Ambreen Ghori, a Bowen Center Psychiatrist, explains that 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, highlights the importance of a balanced nervous system architecture in the healthy development of young individuals. She notes that the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of social media, as these networks can disrupt its natural growth and function. As some students have taken drastic steps to limit their usage while others struggle to break the cycle of late-night scrolling, it is clear that there is a need for greater transparency and regulation from lawmakers when it comes to social media use and its impact on mental health.

In conclusion, while social media has many benefits for communication and networking, it also poses significant risks to mental health, particularly among young users. By shedding light on the addictive qualities of these platforms and their detrimental effects on teens’ well-being, experts hope to promote a more balanced approach to technology use and mental health awareness.