Problematic Social Networking Site use-effects on mental health and the brain

Abstract

The association between excessive use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) and mental health is raising serious concern among health and education professionals. Problematic SNS use has been associated with an increased rate of depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and propensity to excessive alcohol use. It may also lead to vulnerability to aggression, cyberbullying and fear of missing out (FOMO). There is little evidence for cognitive impairments, but there is some preliminary event-related potentials (ERPs) evidence for inefficiency in allocating and monitoring resources and inhibitory control. Problematic SNS has been associated with the personality traits of conscientiousness agreeableness and neuroticism, and with narcissism. There is evidence for reduced sleep quality and quantity, longer sleeping latency and more sleep disturbance. The few brain imaging studies show some similarity between problematic SNS use and other addictions related to inhibitory-control mechanism, reduced gray matter volumes in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and the insula, suggesting rewarding effects of SNS use on the brain. Finally, there is preliminary evidence that treatment with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) can assist in short-term abstinence intervention to treat problematic SNS use. We conclude that problematic SNS use may have deleterious effects on emotional and social relationships, and more research is required on its effects on cognitive and brain function.

The nature and characteristics of problem gaming, with a focus on ICD-11 diagnoses

“…[35] concluded that ‘ … spending more than four hours per day … increased the probability of more adverse gaming significantly’ [35] (p. 5). There is corresponding evidence that this is the length of time per day that engagement with various forms of social media increases the risk of involvement that is pathological [36 ▪ ], although the nature of the content only partly overlaps.…”

The social dilemma: unravelling the disturbing impact on youth mental health

“…A recently published meta-analysis and literature review revealed the company Facebook, leader of the market, also owner of four companies Facebook, WhatsApp, Facebook-Messenger, and Instagram, in 2021, reported over 3.58 billion monthly users ( 1 ). Based on the extensive use of the above social networking sites, it is quite obvious to expect the potential risks involved in their systematic use.…”

“…Unfortunately, for the most fragile among the users this easy connection can lead to excessive use, resulting in negative consequences on mental health, particularly social anxiety and depression. Systematic use of social networking sites may affect sleep quality and quantity, as well as altered emotional communication patterns ( 1 ).…”

“…The very design of social media platforms, with textual, video, speech, all network components that seem to encourage addictive behaviour, further deteriorating youth mental health ( 1 ). The intermittent reinforcement mechanism used by these platforms to keep users engaged contributes to the development of compulsive usage habits ( 4 - 6 ).…”

“…Unfortunately, the tech giants do not appear actively involved in major works to mitigate this mental crisis, or, if and when they are, there are limitations and gaps in their existing work ( 1 ).…”