Your Brain on Scrolling
Briefly

Social media engages users by tapping into the brain's reward system, akin to addictive behaviors. Over time, users report feeling drained and distracted as they fall into a cycle of constant scrolling and comparison. This design fosters habits that fragment attention and lower mood and self-esteem. Notifications and endless content lead to struggles with focus, while the curated nature of online content creates unrealistic comparisons. Setting boundaries serves as a protective measure to maintain mental health and well-being in a digitally engaged world.
Social media is engineered to keep us engaged for as long as possible. Every ping, like, and swipe taps into our brain's reward system, the same one activated by addictive substances like sugar or gambling.
Constant notifications, endless content, and rapid shifts between topics fragment our focus. We're training our brains to struggle with sustained attention.
The very platforms that promise connection are quietly undermining our well-being. Users report feeling mentally exhausted after what was supposed to be 'a quick check-in.'
Read at Psychology Today
[
|
]