Social media has become a source of great concern for mental health experts, as it can have a significant impact on the development of young minds. The US Surgeon General is currently pushing for social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to disclose the mental health risks to users under 18. These risks range from depression to unregulated nervous systems.
Dr. Ambreen Ghori, a psychiatrist with Bowen Center, highlights how social media can exacerbate cognitive distortions for individuals experiencing depression. The negative lens through which some individuals see the world can be amplified by the negative aspects of social media interactions. Nancy Michael, the Notre Dame Director of Neuroscience and Behavior Director, explains how social media can hijack the nervous system, particularly in younger individuals whose brains are still developing. This can lead to the displacement of other essential behaviors needed for healthy nervous system development.
Social media has become a significant source of our attention due to the brain’s chemical reward system. When we engage with social media, the brain releases dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone. This dopamine reward pathway encourages us to continue engaging in activities that make us feel good. However, many critics have raised concerns about the impact of social media on mental health. Students are particularly vulnerable to these effects due to their extreme choices in response to social media – either disengaging from it altogether or engaging excessively to the detriment of their sleep and other essential activities. The addictive nature of social media can lead to unhealthy habits and disrupt the normal development of the nervous system for young individuals.
In conclusion, while Congress considers putting warning labels on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, there is already ample evidence that these platforms can have negative effects on mental health, particularly in young people who are still developing their nervous systems. It is crucial that parents and educators remain vigilant about monitoring their children’s online activity and teach healthy habits related to screen time use.
Overall, it is important for individuals using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to understand that they may experience negative effects such as depression or unregulated nervous systems if they engage too frequently or excessively with these platforms. It is also essential for policymakers and platform owners alike