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Course: Social media literacy?>?Unit 4
Lesson 4: How does social media impact the brain as it develops?How does social media impact the brain as it develops?
Social media can PERMANENTLY change young people’s brain structure?
How does social media impact the brain as it develops?
“I felt trapped because social media was hardwired into my brain as it developed when I was a kid. I didn't sign up for it, and yet here I am 12-ish years later trying to undo things that are inevitably fundamental to who I am.”
–Annika, 20, Pasig City, Philippines
“We can confidently say that [social media is] changing the way that teens interact with each other, with peers, with the world, and that those changes and interactions lead to changes in behaviors, changes in psychiatric and mental health.”
–Dr. Kara S. Bagot, M.D., Medical Director, Mount Sinai-Center on Addiction Alliance
The effects of social media on the brain are even more pronounced for young people. Take a look at this bonus clip from The Social Dilemma that summarizes how social media threatens youth mental health.
As discussed in the video, the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that helps us process and direct our attention based on our goals, is the last part of our brain to mature. That makes it especially difficult for young people to resist persuasive design—the brain is still developing, so self-awareness and willpower are still building up.
Research on young people’s use of social media reveals that this is creating unique challenges for this generation. Exposure to unrestrained levels of digital technology can have serious long-term consequences for development. Social media can permanently change young people’s brain structure and impact how they will think, feel, and act throughout their lives. For instance, a National Academy of Sciences working group found that media multitasking among youth is associated with poorer memory, increased impulsivity, and changes in brain function.?
Furthermore, the U.S. is in the midst of a youth mental health crisis. While still low, suicide rates increased nearly 60% between 2007 and 2017 among 10-24 year-olds, according to the CDC. Many experts point to the rise of social media around 2009 as a key reason for this increase.
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There are some references that may be triggering!
In today's world, there is a huge problem with children, teens, and the over use of social media.And even thought it is a problem... some kids aren't affected by it.
I was reading the link above and it talked about how teen suicide is heavily linked to social media and I believe a percentage of it is, but some of it is not. Some kids are just going through things that are not social media related and sometimes adults just chalk it up to social media when that's not the problem.
Because some kids could really care less.
Even though i do believe that Social media can be a cause of problems (like eating disorders, suicide, insecurities, etc.), it can also help people by staying in contact with those you love, and it also gives you information about the world. You just have to be very mindful of how you use it.
The internet is a powerful tool, it can cause harm and devastation, or it can build something beautiful.(5 votes)
I’m going back in a up and coming week and I’m not going back until before I get back from my(1 vote)- How does the word mean(1 vote)
- If cell phones are hurting the generation why is using a cell phone so popular?(1 vote)