Social Media Dopamine Loop
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Nov 12, 2024 09:56 PM
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Home → Digital Wellness Glossary → Social Media Dopamine Loop
Social Media Dopamine Loop
[soh-shul mee-dee-uh doh-puh-meen loop]
What Is Social Media Dopamine Loop?
A cyclical pattern of behavior where social media activities trigger dopamine releases in the brain, leading to repeated engagement and potential addiction to social platforms. Users get caught in a cycle of posting, checking for reactions, and seeking more engagement to maintain the pleasurable feeling.
Word Origins:
Term combines "social media" (2004), "dopamine" (1950s, named after the chemical messenger in the brain), and "loop" (describing a recurring cycle). Became prevalent in digital wellness discussions around 2015 as research into social media's psychological effects expanded.
How the Loop Works
- Action (posting/sharing)
- Anticipation (waiting for likes/comments)
- Reward (notifications/engagement)
- Temporary satisfaction
- Craving returns
- Repeat cycle
Breaking the Loop
- Turn off push notifications
- Set specific times to check social media
- Hide like counts and engagement metrics
- Practice mindful posting
- Focus on meaningful connections over metrics
Related Terms
- Digital Dopamine: The release of dopamine triggered by digital activities and notifications
- Social Media Addiction: Compulsive use of social media platforms despite negative consequences
- Like-Seeking Behavior: The compulsive need to gain approval through social media engagement
- Notification Anxiety: Stress and anxiety related to receiving or anticipating social media notifications