Introduction:
In today’s online world, Internet interaction platforms have become an integral part of our lives. People of all age groups are active on social media. Even though the use of social media is an integral part of today’s life, people are concerned about the impact of excessive social media use on the brain and its function. In fact, investigating the crucial subtleties of social media access’s effects on both the developing and the mature brains is an inseparable component of the process of anticipating potential psychological and psychiatric consequences. The essay presents a review and discussion of the multifaceted effects of social media on brain development at various ages.
Developing Brains:
(Cataldo et al.) have provided ample evidence of the harmful influence of the excessive use of social media on the brains of teenagers and young adults. The study shows the adverse severe influence of the extended period of interaction with social networking platforms, especially during the critical developmental phase of mental health. Notably, this trait is shown to be connected to mental decline that will be displayed in the form of reduced mental capacities, among other symptoms of mental health disorders. It not only reiterates the fact that we should consider the immediate effect of social media exposure but also creates the realization that if the effects on brain development are not taken care of, they may not be that good in the future. Their research addresses the issue by providing a detailed explanation of the complex links between long-term exposure to sensory stimuli resulting from the overuse of screens and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Through this approach, they have shown the role of different components that are in play and, thus, the need to dig deeper into the underlying hemodynamic changes (Neophytou, Manwell, & Eikelboom).
Studies demonstrate how excessive social media use and screen time can have adverse effects on the brain of the youth. This understanding, however, is vital since it acts as a backbone for any intervention programs that are geared at mitigating risks and instituting healthier digital habits for teenagers and young adults. By understanding the fragility of the brain of a growing teen and realizing the subtly damaging influence of extended screen time on the development of the brain, stakeholders can cooperate on the creation of the environments that facilitate the optimal development of the brain and wellness in the crucial development periods.
Mature Brains:
Although its focus has been to analyze the implications of social media for the development of the brain, a new body of research shows that long hours of social media use may have negative consequences for the cognitive functions of mature brains as well. In the latest research study reported by (Dagher et al. (2021.), the link between prudent use of internet interaction platforms and memory performance among adults in Lebanon was established. According to the findings of this study, prolonged use of social media may have an impact on memory functions. As the phenomenon may be caused by participants’ anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia, they may be the mediators of the effect.
The results revealed that the impact of excessive social media usage could be seen not only mentally but also physically, which, in turn, indicates that the cognitive repercussions of social media overuse cannot be taken for granted. Memory performance is one of the essential elements of cognitive function that plays a crucial role in many life activities and general well-being. The first step toward prevention and effective treatment should be to gain a complete insight into the mechanisms of social media use and cognitive impairment. Such insights can lay the groundwork for the development and implementation of targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of excessive social media consumption on cognitive function in mature individuals.
One of the main areas for improvement of traditional research is that it has long focused on how social media affects the brains of young people. Still, the impact is not limited to these individuals only. The point is that rather than the notion that only young brains can be affected by excessive social media use, the fact that mature brains are also vulnerable to it is being increasingly recognized. With the acknowledgment of a broader range, users are triggered to go beyond the basics when dealing with the complex issues of long-term social media interactions. The perception is that social media control is limited to adolescents and young adults, but it also involves mature minds; the stakeholders can clearly understand that excessive social media use is complex. Through this more encompassing perspective, a more detailed investigation of the psychological, cognitive, and emotional impacts of the pandemic can be conducted across very different age groups. Therefore, they are equipped to create individualized strategies and initiatives aimed at supporting healthier digital behaviors and reducing the impact of social media use on cognitive ability and the whole well-being of an individual.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, access to social media can have significant implications for both developing and mature brains. Excessive use of internet interaction platforms during critical developmental stages can lead to mental deterioration and cognitive impairments among young individuals. Similarly, excessive social media use among adults can impact cognitive function, particularly memory performance, and contribute to psychological distress. By acknowledging these findings and exploring avenues for responsible social media use, we can promote healthier brain development and overall well-being across the lifespan. Individuals, parents, educators, and policymakers must address the challenges posed by excessive social media use and prioritize strategies for fostering positive digital habits.
Works Cited
Cataldo, I., Lepri, B., & Yee Neoh, M. Jin. “Social media usage and development of psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence: a review.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 11, 2021, pp. 508595.
Dagher, Maya, et al. “Association between problematic social media use and memory performance in a sample of Lebanese adults: the mediating effect of anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.” Head & Face Medicine, vol. 17, 2021, pp. 1-12.
Neophytou, Eliana, Laurie A. Manwell, and Roelof Eikelboom. “Excessive exposure to screen time leads to chronic sensory stimulation, negatively affecting brain development.”
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