THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA: A REVIEW OF COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS
Keywords:
Social Media, Cognitive Impact, Emotional Regulation, Attention Span, Social Behavior, Mental HealthAbstract
Social media's pervasive use has significantly influenced neurological and cognitive functions, underscoring the intricate relationship between technology use and brain dynamics. This paper explores these complex interactions, focusing on how social media impacts emotional regulation, social behaviors, and attention span. Existing studies reveal that the high volume of information intake and continuous notifications associated with social media may reduce attention span and hinder focus. Additionally, dopamine-driven feedback loops within social media interactions foster addictive behaviors, promoting a need for immediate gratification and altering the brain's reward-processing mechanisms. While social media offers numerous benefits, its substantial and varied effects on the brain highlight the necessity of mindful and moderated usage. Understanding these neurological and psychological impacts is crucial to developing strategies that mitigate potential drawbacks and enhance the positive aspects of social media use.
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