Social Media Affects How Teens See the World and Their Place in It 

One of the first studies showing how social media usage could have long-standing and important consequences on the development of adolescent brains is out. In the new study, researchers at UNC Chapel Hill report that constant checking of social media affects how teens view the world around them. 

Adolescent brains may become more sensitive when anticipating social rewards and punishments over time the more they use social media. 

“The findings suggest that children who grow up checking social media are often becoming hypersensitive to feedback from their peers,” said Eva Telzer, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill in a release from the university. 

Watching the Brain While Using Social Media 

There have been plenty of warnings and worries from parents and policymakers about the constant stream of virtual interactions that begin in early childhood, but the UNC team tried something new. They conducted successive brain scans of students between the ages of 12 and 15, a period of rapid brain development. At the beginning of the study, participants (recruited from rural public schools) reported how often they checked three popular social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Their answers ranged from less than once per day to more than 20 times per day. 

The students underwent yearly brain imaging sessions while checking their social media accounts. This allowed researchers to monitor brain activity while students reacted to social rewards or punishments. 

Researchers found that the 12-year-olds who habitually checked their social media had distinct neural patterns, with more activity over time in parts of the brain associated with motivation, salience (or where attention is focused) and cognitive control. 

The group also showed a distinct sensitivity to social rewards from peers heightening over time. Those teens who didn’t engage with social media as much showed a declining interest in social rewards. 

Researchers could point to social media having an effect on teen brain development, but they did not, however, conclude whether their findings were good or bad. 

“While the increased sensitivity to social feedback may promote future compulsive social media use, it could reflect a possible adaptive behavior that will help teens navigate an increasingly digital world,” said Maria Maza, a doctoral student in psychology and one of the study’s two authors. 

The team also said their work shows the need for more research. It also indicates the importance of parents being keenly aware of social media’s influence on still-developing brains. 

Advisories on Social Media 

Two warnings about the effects of social media on adolescents have recently been issued. 

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy cited a “profound risk of harm” to adolescent mental health in his first report on the issue. He urged families to set limits on social media. 

In addition, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued its first advisory on social media use in adolescence. While the APA panel also called for more research into the effects of social media, the group issued recommendations for parents and teens. Similar suggestions are made in the Surgeon General’s report. 

“Just as we require young people to be trained in order to get a driver’s license, our youth need instruction in the safe and healthy use of social media,” said APA President Thema Bryant, Ph.D. 

Recommendations on Social Media Use 

1. Age-appropriate use of social media should be based on the adolescent’s level of maturity.
2. For younger kids, adults should monitor social media use, including discussing and coaching around social media content. This should be balanced with a youth’s need for privacy. More autonomy can be given as kids age and gain digital literacy skills.
3. Minimize adolescent’s exposure to social media content that depicts illegal or psychologically maladaptive behavior, including content that encourages youth to engage in self-harm or high-risk behaviors.
4. Minimize adolescents’ exposure to online content that promotes discrimination, prejudice, hate or cyberbullying, especially directed toward groups targeted because of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability status.
5. Limit social media use so as not to interfere with adolescents’ sleep or physical activity, as each is required for healthy brain and psychological development.
6. Limit adolescents’ use of social media for primarily beauty- or appearance-related content.

Find more tips on the APA’s website. 

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