Youth Social Media & Internet Addiction: Brain & Mental Health

This podcast examines social media addiction and internet addiction, particularly affecting youth, college students, and teenagers. It explores the role of dopamine and the brain's reward pathways in fostering compulsive overconsumption. Key contributing factors include psychological elements like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, along with social influences such as peer pressure and social comparison.

Technological features like infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven content, and personalized notifications intensify addictive behaviors. The detrimental effects impact mental health, sleep quality, academic performance, and real-life relationships. The overview also highlights intervention strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness training, educational programs, and essential parental involvement in setting time limits and fostering open communication to encourage healthy social media use.