The Dopamine and Social Media

Social media initially provides a dopamine hit due to the novelty and excitement it offers. However, as we continue to scroll, the dopamine quickly wanes and the behavior becomes more like an obsessive-compulsive behavior. The algorithms used by social media platforms, with intermittent random rewards, keep us engaged in the scrolling behavior. This transition from dopamine-driven rewards to more compulsive behavior is similar to addiction or OCD. We need to self-regulate our time on social media to avoid becoming like an animal obsessively seeking rewards. Taking breaks from social media can make the experience more positively reinforcing when we return. Similarly, in relationships, it's healthy to have periods of separation to create positive anticipation and make the time spent together more rewarding.

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