Intersubject correlation analysis reveals the plasticity of cerebral functional connectivity in the long‐term use of social media

Abstract

Owing to the limitations of cross-sectional studies, it is unclear whether social media induce brain changes, or if individuals with certain biological traits are more likely to use social media. Functional connectivity (FC) can reflect cerebral functional plasticity, and if social media can influence cerebral FC, then the FC of light social media users should be more similar to that of heavy users after they "heavily" used social media for a long period. We combined longitudinal study design and intersubject correlation (ISC) analysis to investigate this similarity. Thirty-five heavy and 21 light social media users underwent cognitive tests and functional MRIs. The 21 light social media users underwent another functional MRI scan after completing an additional four-week social media task. We conducted the ISC at the group, individual, and brain-region levels to investigate the similarity of FC and locate the brain regions most affected by social media. The FC of light social media users was more similar to that of heavy social media users after they completed the four-week social media task. Then, social media had an impact on half of the brain, involving almost all brain networks. Finally, cerebral FC that mostly affected by social media was associated with selective attention. We concluded that the impact of social media use on cerebral functional connectivity changes is revealed by ISC method and longitudinal design, which may provide guidance for clinical practice. The methods used in the current research could also be applied to similar domains.

Increasing the reliability of functional connectivity by predicting long-scan functional connectivity based on short-scan functional connectivity: model exploration, explanation, validation, and application

“…Besides, the differences in three GLMs could be explained as differences in distribution features of FC matrices predicted by them. Thirdly, our results were robust across the Consortium for Reliability and Reproducibility (CoRR) Project (17) and our local dataset (18,19). Finally, our methods had the potential to enhance the test-retest reliability of FC and the performance of connectome-based predictive models (CPM).…”

A Systematic Review of Structural and Functional MRI Studies Investigating Social Networking Site Use

“…It is suggested that since a main function of the DMN is mind wandering [69], SNSs might stimulate the visual network to induce mind wandering, resulting in increased inattention after SNS use. In another study by the same group and recruiting from the same pool of participants, Hu et al [70] used a longitudinal design to investigate changes in functional connectivity after a month of excessive SNS use. The results showed that the functional connectivity of light SNS users was more similar to that of heavy users after they completed the four-week period of increased SNS use.…”

“…Moreover, longitudinal research is scarce and existing studies report mixed results. While only subtle differences in brain morphology have been attributed to excessive SNS use [56], some studies have shown widespread functional connectivity changes as a result of increased SNS use [70]. Yet, other research suggests that abnormal neural activity associated with increased SNS use has no long-term effects on clinical symptoms [83].…”

O Uso De Redes Sociais Na Adolescência E Potenciais Repercussões Na Neuroplasticidade

“…Assim, a constatação de que a conectividade funcional cerebral pode ser afetada pelo uso prolongado de mídias sociais destaca a complexidade das interações entre o ambiente digital e o cérebro humano, em virtude das modificações neuroendócrinas característico desse período de vida .Essas descobertas oferecem uma base sólida e insights valiosos que podem informar práticas clínicas e intervenções terapêuticas inovadoras (HU et al, 2022), auxiliando na identificação precoce do tratamento de distúrbios mentais associados ao uso excessivo de mídias sociais. Assim sendo, a plasticidade neural presente no cérebro dos adolescentes expõe os potenciais riscos e vulnerabilidades associados à utilização das redes sociais, tais como a propensão ao reforço de comportamentos viciosos.…”