The Impact of Social Media on Our Brain

The way people communicate with their friends, families or relatives is changing. Keeping in touch is no longer face to face, but instead screen to screen. The fact that the number of Facebook users has reached 1 billion proves this. Social media – like Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter or WhatsApp - has changed the style of communication and become an inseparable part of our lives. But have you ever thought about its impact on our brain?

‘It activates the brain’s reward center’. In a recent study, researchers have found out that when people see their photos liked by many people certain regions in our brain become activated by “likes” as the brain’s reward centre becomes active. According to Women’s Health magazine, food photos can also activate the brain’s reward center and even looking at the images after a meal can trigger hunger.

‘It may affect your self-esteem’. You may think that looking at photos on Instagram or seeing parts of people’s lives on Facebook is harmless. However, social media can have negative impacts on people’s self-esteem. People don’t post bad things on their social media; they fill their accounts with the best photos or stories of themselves. Therefore, many people might think that they have better lives and this may lead to a decrease in their self-esteem.

‘It has impacts on your ability to think independently’. Researches have shown that people tend to choose or like the things which are liked by most people even if they like the other one more. Teens and younger kids are especially likely to be influenced by their peers.

Social media is a good way to communicate and know what’s going on around the world if it is used wisely. Do not let social media affect your brains and personality.