Social media has become an integral part of our lives. We spend hours browsing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, sharing photos, status updates and connecting with others. But have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to resist constantly checking our social media feeds? The answer may be related to the dopaminergic system in our brain.
He dopaminergic system It is a network of neurons that uses dopamine as a neurotransmitter. Dopamine plays a crucial role in regulating our emotions, motivation and reward. When we are exposed to rewarding stimuli, such as receiving a notification on social networks, the reward system in the brain is activated, releasing dopamine and generating a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction.
Recent research has examined how social media use can activate the dopaminergic system and its influence on our behavior. A study published in 2020 by Lin et al. found that the frequency of social media use was positively correlated with dopamine levels in the brain. Study participants who reported greater social media use showed greater activation of brain regions associated with reward and motivation.
Another research conducted by Meshi et al. in 2019 demonstrated that receiving “likes” on social media posts activates the dopaminergic system and generates a feeling of gratification. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine participants’ brain responses while they received likes on their posts. Increased activity was observed in areas of the brain related to reward and motivation, indicating the influence of the dopaminergic system on the experience of receiving social approval on social networks.
However, excessive use of social media and the constant search for rewards can have negative consequences for our mental health. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media has been associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. Additionally, constant comparison with others and concern about personal image can create additional social and emotional pressure.
To address these issues, it is important to establish a healthy balance in social media use and encourage mindful habits. Some recommendations include:
1. Set time limits: Define a specific time for using social networks and avoid spending long periods on them. Setting limits will help reduce dependency and maintain a balance with other activities.
2. Practice self-regulation: Be aware of your emotions and thoughts when using social media. If you notice that you feel anxious, sad or insecure after a period of use, consider taking a break and focusing on activities that bring you well-being.
3. Cultivate offline relationships: Spend time interacting in person with family and friends. Real, meaningful connections outside of social media can give you a sense of belonging and emotional satisfaction.
4. Be selective with your connections: Carefully choose who you follow on social media and be aware of how their posts make you feel. If you notice that certain accounts generate envy or discomfort, consider unfollowing them to preserve your emotional well-being.
5. Practice self-care: Spend time on activities that bring you joy and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, reading or creativity. These activities help reduce stress and strengthen your emotional well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, the dopaminergic system plays a fundamental role in our experience when using social media. The release of dopamine in response to social interactions and rewards on these platforms can generate a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. However, it is important to keep in mind that excessive use of social media and the constant search for validation can have negative consequences for our mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
It is crucial to find a healthy balance in social media use and be aware of how it affects us emotionally. Setting time limits, practicing self-regulation, cultivating offline relationships, being selective with our connections, and dedicating time to self-care are useful strategies to improve our relationship with social networks and preserve our emotional well-being.
While scientific research has provided valuable information about the relationship between the dopaminergic system and social media use, it is important to remember that each person may have different individual experiences. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to our own emotions and seek professional help if we experience significant difficulties in our mental health related to social media use.
Ultimately, conscious and balanced use of social media can allow us to enjoy the benefits of online social connectivity while maintaining our emotional well-being and staying connected to the real world around us.
Bibliographic references:
– Lin, F., Zhou, Y., Du, Y., Qin, L., Zhao, Z., Xu, J., & Lei, H. (2020). Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area are related to the formation of social network size in humans. Science Advances, 6(4), eaay1054.
– Meshi, D., Tamir, DI, & Heekeren, HR (2019). The emerging neuroscience of social media. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23(9), 701-712.
– Kross, E., Verduyn, P., Demiralp, E., Park, J., Lee, DS, Lin, N., … & Ybarra, O. (2013). Facebook use predicts declines in subjective well-being in young adults. PLoS One, 8(8), e69841.
– Primack, BA, Shensa, A., Escobar-Viera, CG, Barrett, EL, Sidani, JE, Colditz, JB, & James, AE (2017). Use of multiple social media platforms and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A nationally-representative study among US young adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 69, 1-9.