What are the long term effects of dopamine driven activities like social media use on our brain and behavior?

The Long-Term Effects of Dopamine-Driven Activities Like Social Media Use

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in how we perceive pleasure. Our brain releases it when we eat something we enjoy, when we win a game, or, interestingly enough, when we scroll through our social media feeds.

The Dopamine Reward System

Each time we see something new and intriguing online, our brain responds by releasing dopamine. This "reward" makes us feel good and encourages us to repeat the behavior - in this case, checking social media. Over time, this can lead to habit or compulsion, and in some cases, border on addiction (Linardon, 2019).

Long-Term Neurological Impact

Long-term engagement in dopamine-driven activities, such as social media use, can lead to changes in the brain's reward circuitry. Overstimulation of the dopamine system can cause it to become less responsive over time, making it more difficult for people to find pleasure in activities that once brought them joy. This can encourage increasingly compulsive use of the dopamine-releasing activity - a distinct characteristic of addiction (Luijten, Schellekens, Kuhn, Machielse, & Sescousse, 2017).

Behavioral Effects

Excessive reliance on dopamine-driven activities can also lead to harmful behavioral effects. These can include poor impulse control, distraction and reduced productivity, sleep disturbances, and impaired social relationships (Sharma, Sharma, & Sharma, 2020).

Is it All Bad?

Dopamine-driven activities are not inherently harmful. It's excessive engagement in these activities - resulting in overstimulation of our dopamine system - that can be problematic. When used responsibly, social media and other dopamine-triggering activities can be sources of pleasure, social connection, and reward. However, moderation and balance are key for maintaining a healthy dopamine system and well-being overall (He, Li, & Chen, 2019).