The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers Dopamine Addiction

Social Media has a great impact in today’s generation and society. It spreads
connectivity, information awareness, and positivity. However, one of the problems that
society is facing today is the dopamine addiction that we get from using too much social
media, this harmful phenomenon that not only affects individuals' mental and emotional
well-being resulting in a stagnant generation but also has societal implications, emphasizing
the importance of recognizing and addressing this modern affliction through awareness,
education, and responsible technology use. (ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT)

Use of the Internet, computers, smartphones and other electronic devices has
dramatically increased over recent decades, and this increase is associated not only with
clear and tremendous benefits to the users, but also with documented cases of excessive
use which often has negative health consequences. In an increasing number of countries,
the problem has reached the magnitude of a significant public health concern (World Health
Organization, 2018.)

Today’s digital age, where the importance of connectivity and sharing of information
is huge, social media platforms have become a part of our daily lives. These platforms are
made for numerous benefits such as connecting with people, sharing experiences, knowing
information, and interacting online. However, as we get deeper, we find ourselves
continuously scrolling, liking, sharing, and forgetting the concept of time resulting in a
dopamine social media addiction.

“Dopamine is a neurochemical transmitter made in your brain that produces

hormones to bring pleasure to “feel-good” (Lembke, 2021.). Through likes, comments, and
notifications, social media platforms are designed to stimulate the release of dopamine.
When we are continually exposed to this stimulation, our brains adjust, and we gradually
require more and more just to feel "normal," or not in pain. This is known as a "dopamine
deficit state," and the cycle that leads to it can result in melancholy, anxiety, irritability, and
insomnia. This is where the psychological consequences come. Teenagers will have fear of
Missing out, driven by the constant updates on social media, leading to a compulsive
checking of updates and notifications. Teenages may also feel a constant need for
validations because of how often they engage in social media addiction.

A study from 2014 which is titled "The Facebook Experiment" conducted by Kramer,
Guillory, and Hancock (2014), the researchers aimed to investigate the spread of emotional
contagion on the social media platform Facebook. They manipulated the content of users'
news feeds, exposing them to either more positive or more negative posts for a week, and
then analyzed the emotional tone of the users' subsequent posts. The study found that
exposure to positive content in the news feed led users to produce more positive posts,
while exposure to negative content resulted in more negative posts, demonstrating the
concept of emotional contagion. However, the study received significant criticism and ethical
concerns for not obtaining informed consent from users, sparking a broader discussion on
the ethics of conducting research on social media platforms and the potential influence of
these platforms on users' emotions and behaviors (Kramer et al., 2014).

Also a study from 2017, "Neural Correlates of Social Media Addiction" conducted by
Montag and colleagues in 2017, the researchers delved into the neural underpinnings
associated with excessive social media use and addiction. The study employed
neuroimaging techniques to investigate the brain structures and functions related to
individuals who exhibit signs of addiction to social media platforms. Findings from the study
offered insights into the neural mechanisms associated with compulsive social media use,
shedding light on potential areas of the brain implicated in addiction-like behaviors.
Understanding the neurological aspects of social media addiction is crucial for
comprehending the physiological basis of this phenomenon, which can have far-reaching
implications for both individuals and society (Montag et al., 2017).

Promoting digital literacy and responsible use of technology is a crucial aspect of

addressing the negative consequences of excessive social media usage. Experts and
organizations have long advocated for the need to educate individuals on how to navigate
the digital landscape effectively. For instance, Howard Rheingold, in his book "Net Smart:
How to Thrive Online," emphasizes the importance of developing skills such as online
collaboration, attention management, and information evaluation to become responsible and
digitally literate internet users (Rheingold, 2012).

In conclusion, the impact of social media on today's generation is undeniable.

Recognizing the hazards of social media addiction is the first step in dealing with it.
Individuals must be aware of the consequences of their online habits, the neurological
mechanisms at work, and the potential consequences on their lives. To be knowledgeable
enough to teach, particularly the younger generation, on how to use social media
responsibly for future generations.