Social Media Addiction: A Growing Concern Among Teenagers and Mental Health Experts

Teenagers today are more active on social media than ever before, but this addiction has become a cause for concern among mental health experts. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, social media platforms pose significant mental health risks to users under 18, ranging from depression to disruption of nervous system regulation. This has led Congress to consider mandating warning labels on these platforms, urging them to disclose these risks.

In an interview with WSBT 22’s Kyland Hall, neuroscience experts Dr. Ambreen Ghori and Nancy Michael shed light on why social media is so addictive and how it can contribute to anxiety and disconnection among teenagers. Dr. Ghori explained 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 highlighted that the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of social media, as these networks can disrupt its natural growth and function. She emphasized the importance of a balanced nervous system architecture in healthy development, especially among young individuals who use social media frequently. The debate over the addictive nature of social media apps continues, with some students taking drastic steps to limit their usage while others struggle to break the cycle of late-night scrolling.

In conclusion, experts are calling for greater transparency and regulation by lawmakers regarding the potential impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young users. By shedding light on the addictive qualities of these platforms and their detrimental effects on teens’ well-being, they hope to promote a more balanced approach to technology use and mental health awareness among young people today.