Recent research highlights that problematic social media use (PSMU) shares traits with addiction, influencing behavior and decision-making. Individuals with PSMU are more likely to believe and share misinformation, primarily due to impaired risk evaluation skills. This study by researchers from Michigan State University underscores the troubling connection between impulsivity in social media habits and the spread of fake news. The findings point to the need for better understanding of how social media affects cognitive processes related to information trustworthiness and decision-making.
If someone struggles with a substance dependency, it's the decision-making process in their brain where they have difficulties stopping...someone with a substance use disorder continues to do that action.
Most people learn from a bad outcome and don't do it again, but someone with PSMU might feel bad if they are unable to access social media for an extended period.
Problematic social media users were typically more impulsive and took more risks than average...their risk evaluation is a little bit different than a neurotypical person.
The link between problematic social media use and the spread of misinformation is concerning, as it indicates that impulsivity influences how individuals engage with online content.
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