Neuroscience Behind Online Hostility & Social Behaviour with Dr. Ben Rein
Feb 3, 2025
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Dr. Ben Rein, a neuroscientist specializing in the neurobiology of social behavior, discusses the alarming effects of excessive online time on brain development. He explains how social media's design fosters hostility by stripping away crucial social cues, making negativity easier. The conversation covers the challenges of 'virtual disengagement' on empathy, the mental health implications of social media use, and practical strategies for healthier online habits. Rein emphasizes the need for mindfulness in digital interactions to nurture a more empathetic online environment.
The shift from in-person interactions to predominantly online engagements alters social skills development, impacting long-term social behaviors in youth.
Online disinhibition leads to a detachment from empathy, resulting in increased hostility and mean-spirited comments that are less common in face-to-face interactions.
Deep dives
Impact of Social Media on Brain Development
Growing up in a digital age significantly influences brain development compared to previous generations. The access to smartphones and digital devices from a young age alters the way young people engage socially, catering to more virtual interactions than face-to-face ones. Unlike past experiences of gathering with friends in person, today's youth often share experiences through online platforms, which may lack the depth of physical presence. This shift can affect the development of crucial social skills, potentially resulting in differences in long-term social behaviors.
Disinhibition and Empathy in Online Interactions
The disinhibition effect observed in online environments contributes to negative conduct, fostering hostility that rarely manifests in face-to-face interactions. When people engage online, they may feel detached from the consequences of their words, leading to mean-spirited comments that lack empathy. Research indicates that the brain's empathy circuits disengage when interacting through text-based media, stripping emotional context from exchanges. Consequently, individuals are less able to share the feelings of others, resulting in a dangerous disconnection where the emotional impacts of online aggression remain felt by the victims.
Addressing the Negative Effects of Social Media
Recognizing unhealthy social media habits is crucial for mitigating their impact on mental well-being. Experts suggest practices like digital detoxes and limiting screen time to help individuals regain control over their usage, leading to improvements in anxiety and depression levels. Users can set timers to monitor their time spent on apps, fostering self-awareness and reducing excessive engagement. Such proactive measures can enhance overall mental health and help maintain a healthier relationship with digital interactions, paving the way for more mindful online behavior.
How does spending too much time online change your brain?
When social media first became mainstream, it was touted as a way to promote social connection and togetherness. Over the years, these sites have become known for prioritizing hostility and negativity over positive interactions. So why do people continue using social media? And how is that use impacting your brain?
I’m excited to welcome Dr. Ben Rein to the show today. Dr. Rein has completed groundbreaking research on the neurobiology of social behavior. His insights have gained him recognition from some of the top institutions around the world and he’s here to help shed some light on why it’s easier for people to behave negatively online.
When someone disagrees with you in person, the odds of them being confrontational are very low. But when you’re online, you miss vital social cues that can make it much easier to be mean—even to your friends. If you want to understand how social media has potentially changed your brain development and what you can do to make the digital world a more empathetic space, this episode is for you.
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