Studies report over 81% of teens and over 63% of adults are using social media. Whether predisposed to anxiety or depression, the brains of an adolescent and teenagers are significantly growing. With excessive use of social media, the brain seeks out further stimuli constantly resulting in our kids feeling easily bored and having difficulty relaxing. Constant use of the brain's reward system can negatively impact their desire to seek out healthy sources of fun such as; peer interaction, sports, nature, or even family time due to constantly being overstimulated.
There is a significant impact on focusing and concentrating when the brain is constantly overstimulated. The individual may struggle in school, at work, or in social situations due to the continued feelings that these normal environments and interactions are not stimulating enough and suffer from discomfort and boredom. This is also why we see individuals lean on drugs and alcohol, because regular life events are not as exciting as when they are using. We’re not saying social media causes depression, anxiety, or addiction although studies have shown that constant use of the brain's reward system greatly increases the risk of the development of the aforementioned disorders.