International Journal of Education and Social Science (IJESS)

Social media addiction and drug addiction may have similarities as both addictions target the brain's reward circuitry. The long-term effects of drug usage have been known to damage organs and change the effectiveness of the human brain, however, with social media addiction, there is currently not enough research to predict the long term effect of it on the brain. Digital imaging of the brain has recorded changes in the prefrontal cortex and cortical areas of the brain from internet addiction, but how this will impact the overall population is yet to be determined. The purpose of this study is to explore the neurological underpinnings of social media and addiction as the brain’s reward circuitry which consists of the nucleus accumbens aids in the addiction process. The definition of addiction may differ amongst the medical community and behavioral science field, but both agree that it targets the brain. According to Leshner (1997), “Addiction is a brain disease” that targets the mesolimbic reward system (p.46). Additionally, the nucleus accumbens is part of the limbic system that releases a neurotransmitter, dopamine, which plays a big part in the reward or gratification process. The activation of the reward system is accountable for social media repeated use. Thus, users become excited from visiting social media websites and interacting with other users. Society encourages social media to connect with others, but the overuse of media sites can lead to an addiction.