Why are we so addicted to social media?

Ashani Ahuja

New York City, New York

Attention is key (Free Walking Tours Salzburg / Unsplash)

Addiction is often thought of as a result of substance use, but recent research shows that dependency can also stem from behaviors like social media scrolling or video gaming. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are designed to keep users engaged, leading to overstimulation of the brain’s reward center. This overstimulation releases dopamine, a ‘feel-good’ chemical, which can lead to cycles of dependency. Recent studies also show that excessive social media use disrupts teen sleep patterns, with late-night screen time linked to sleep issues, anxiety, and even depression. These effects make it clear that behaviors like social media scrolling are more difficult to resist than many realize, often impacting mental health as severely as substance addiction.

Dopamine plays a key role in the addiction process, acting as the brain’s main ‘reward’ chemical. Activities like gaming or engaging with social media can trigger small, repeated dopamine bursts, prompting individuals to seek more frequent ‘hits’ over time. Eventually, the brain craves increased stimulation to achieve the same level of satisfaction. This pattern is similar to how substances like nicotine or alcohol create dependency, reinforcing the compulsive behavior.

In traditional addictions, substances like alcohol and nicotine stimulate powerful dopamine responses, making it challenging to stop once the cycle begins. These substances create strong pleasure associations that often diminish interest in other enjoyable activities. Non-substance-based activities like social media and gaming trigger similar dopamine releases through notifications and achievements, particularly affecting teens with developing brains.

The virtual world of video games and social platforms provides instant gratification, training the brain to expect rapid rewards. This cycle, fueled by constant notifications and ‘likes,’ keeps users engaged for hours, often without them noticing the time passing. Teens are particularly vulnerable to these effects, as the constant comparison to others on social media can lower self-esteem and lead to feelings of exclusion. These cycles make social media and gaming highly addictive, making it harder to step away.

Addiction to any substance or activity has serious consequences, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Those who have become dependent may find it harder to focus on school, work, or relationships, as their energy is consumed by addictive behaviors. Thankfully, although difficult to overcome, there are ways to combat this, from therapy and support groups, to accountability with family and friends. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, can help individuals understand and replace addictive patterns with healthier habits. Recognizing how addiction works is a crucial first step in breaking the cycle, and with increasing research, science is giving us tools to manage and prevent these behaviors before they take control.