Likes, Shares and FOMO

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, offering unprecedented opportunities for communication, entertainment, and information sharing. However, this has given rise to a new phenomenon: social media addiction. Social media addiction is characterized by an excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning. It shares similarities with other behavioral addictions, such as gambling, and is marked by a lack of control over social media use, preoccupation with social media, and continued use despite adverse consequences.

 The Brain Science of Social Media Addiction

1. Dopamine and Reward Pathways:

Social media platforms are designed to trigger the brain's reward system. Every like, comment, or share activates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward as when you receive positive social feedback your brain perceives it as a rewarding experience.  This release creates a sense of euphoria, reinforcing the behavior and encouraging repeated use.

The intermittent and unpredictable nature of social media rewards which is known to be similar to slot machines is what makes them particularly addictive. The unpredictability leads to a "dopamine loop," wherein the brain constantly seeks the next reward.

2. What The Brain Scans Reveal:

Many studies that involve brain scans have shown that social media use activates brain regions involved in reward processing. These areas are also implicated in substance addiction, suggesting a common neurobiological pathway.

3. Social Validation and Oxytocin:

Social media interactions often involve social validation, where users seek approval and acceptance from their peers. For example, posting a story about a recent famous event just to feel included and liked with others. This can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding and trust. The positive feelings derived from social validation reinforce the behavior, contributing to addiction.

Psychological Factors Contributing to Social Media Addiction

1. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO):

FOMO is a significant psychological driver of social media addiction. It refers to the anxiety that others are having more rewarding experiences than oneself. Individuals with high levels of FOMO are more likely to engage in compulsive social media use to stay constantly updated, leading to addiction. For example, seeing friends post about a party or event you're not attending. You might feel anxious or left out, prompting you to scroll through posts obsessively to stay updated or to seek reassurance that you're not missing out. This can lead to excessive social media use and a constant need to check for updates.

2. Self-Esteem and Social Comparison:

Social media platforms often promote idealized versions of reality, leading users to compare themselves to others. Social media’s idealized portrayals can lead to comparison and self-doubt, driving users to engage more frequently in search of validation. This constant need for approval can increase the likelihood of addictive behaviors.

3. Cognitive-Behavioral Factors:

Cognitive-behavioral models suggest that social media addiction is reinforced by maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. For instance, individuals may use social media to cope with stress or loneliness, leading to a reliance on these platforms for emotional regulation as it helps them feel included and in touch with other people. Over time, this coping mechanism becomes habitual, contributing to addiction.

The Impact on Mental Health

Numerous studies have linked social media addiction to increased levels of anxiety and depression. The constant need for social validation and fear of missing out can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, leading to mental health issues. Excessive social media use, particularly before bedtime, also disrupts sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality, in turn, negatively affects mental health. Social media addiction also impairs attention and cognitive function as the constant switching between tasks, notifications, and messages can lead to reduced attention span and decreased productivity. This cognitive overload then also contributes to stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

Social media addiction is a complex phenomenon influenced by neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral factors. Understanding the psychobiological mechanisms behind this addiction can provide valuable insights into its impact on mental health and inform effective interventions. By raising awareness and promoting healthy social media habits, we can recognize and mitigate the negative effects of social media addiction in our own lives and enhance overall well-being.

To gain more insight on social media and mental health, listen to episodes 19 and 20 of our podcast Nuts & Bolts of Wellbeing.