Habitually checking social media during adolescence may lead to changes in neural sensitivity related to rewards and punishments, according to a recent study.
Investigators set out to determine the association between frequently checking social media platforms and longitudinal changes in functional brain development throughout adolescence. Critical brain development occurs during adolescence, making the brain sensitive to social feedback. Unique social interactions are possible during this time through social media.
A 3-year longitudinal cohort study took place evaluating the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of youths in the sixth and seventh grades. Participants were recruited from 3 middle schools in North Carolina.
In the first wave of the study, participants reported the frequency at which they checked social media platforms. Three platforms were selected for the study: Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The primary outcome of the study was the neural response to social feedback, measured through fMRI once per year. A Social Incentive Delay task recorded adolescents’ facial expressions to determine if social feedback was a reward, punishment, or neutral.
There were 169 participants aged 12 years who met the inclusion criteria for the study. Of these, about 54% were female, and about 23% were Black.
Lower neural sensitivity to social anticipation was seen in participants who frequently checked social media compared to those without habitual checking behaviors.
Neural sensitivity was observed through the left amygdala, posterior insula, ventral striatum, right amygdala, right anterior insula, and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Longitudinal increases were seen in these areas among adolescents who frequently checked social media, while decreases were seen in adolescents who did not frequently check social media.
These results indicate an association between habitual social media use and the brain’s sensitivity to social reward and punishments. Investigators recommended further research on long-term associations between these factors.
Reference
Maza MT, Fox KA, Kwon S, Flannery JE, Lindquist KA, Prinstein MJ, et al. Association of habitual checking behaviors on social media with longitudinal functional brain development. JAMA Pediatr. 2023. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4924
Social media usage and response to social feedback
In a recent study, it was found adolescents who frequently checked social media had a lower neural sensitivity to social anticipation.
Habitually checking social media during adolescence may lead to changes in neural sensitivity related to rewards and punishments, according to a recent study.
Investigators set out to determine the association between frequently checking social media platforms and longitudinal changes in functional brain development throughout adolescence. Critical brain development occurs during adolescence, making the brain sensitive to social feedback. Unique social interactions are possible during this time through social media.
A 3-year longitudinal cohort study took place evaluating the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of youths in the sixth and seventh grades. Participants were recruited from 3 middle schools in North Carolina.
In the first wave of the study, participants reported the frequency at which they checked social media platforms. Three platforms were selected for the study: Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The primary outcome of the study was the neural response to social feedback, measured through fMRI once per year. A Social Incentive Delay task recorded adolescents’ facial expressions to determine if social feedback was a reward, punishment, or neutral.
There were 169 participants aged 12 years who met the inclusion criteria for the study. Of these, about 54% were female, and about 23% were Black.
Lower neural sensitivity to social anticipation was seen in participants who frequently checked social media compared to those without habitual checking behaviors.
Neural sensitivity was observed through the left amygdala, posterior insula, ventral striatum, right amygdala, right anterior insula, and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Longitudinal increases were seen in these areas among adolescents who frequently checked social media, while decreases were seen in adolescents who did not frequently check social media.
These results indicate an association between habitual social media use and the brain’s sensitivity to social reward and punishments. Investigators recommended further research on long-term associations between these factors.
Reference
Maza MT, Fox KA, Kwon S, Flannery JE, Lindquist KA, Prinstein MJ, et al. Association of habitual checking behaviors on social media with longitudinal functional brain development. JAMA Pediatr. 2023. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4924
Infants born into a digital world: Are there developmental inequities based on exposure?
April 24th 2024Donna Hallas, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, highlights the April 2024 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.
Food Insecurity and the Dangers of Infant Formula Dilution
January 30th 2023First radioactive drug approved for patients 12 years and up with SSTR-positive GEP-NETs
April 23rd 2024The FDA has approved lutetium Lu 177 dotatate for pediatric patients with somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Demystifying Infant Formula
October 11th 2022CRL issued for pz-cel as potential recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa treatment
April 23rd 2024Abeona's pz-cel is up for indicated use to treat patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Pandemic's impact on early childhood development may have been minimal
April 22nd 2024An assessment into development scores before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic show children aged 0 - 5 years old may only had been minimally impacted in communication and problem-solving skills.
Infants born into a digital world: Are there developmental inequities based on exposure?
April 24th 2024Donna Hallas, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, highlights the April 2024 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.
Food Insecurity and the Dangers of Infant Formula Dilution
January 30th 2023First radioactive drug approved for patients 12 years and up with SSTR-positive GEP-NETs
April 23rd 2024The FDA has approved lutetium Lu 177 dotatate for pediatric patients with somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Demystifying Infant Formula
October 11th 2022CRL issued for pz-cel as potential recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa treatment
April 23rd 2024Abeona's pz-cel is up for indicated use to treat patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Pandemic's impact on early childhood development may have been minimal
April 22nd 2024An assessment into development scores before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic show children aged 0 - 5 years old may only had been minimally impacted in communication and problem-solving skills.