Why do we get addicted to social media?

A report from CyberCrew revealed how UK residents spend an average of 110 minutes per day on social media. Many of us start scrolling before we’ve even got out of bed in the morning, in an almost automatic way.

Social networks can have a similar effect on the brain to certain addictive substances. According to Healthline.com, they stimulate the brain’s reward system. When you log in to your favorite social media platform, you get a burst of dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good and motivates you to seek more of the same stimulus.

Why do we end up scrolling on Tiktok and Instagram for hours on? How does it work in concrete terms? Is it fair to say that social networks were designed to be addictive? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

First broadcast: 12/05/2023

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