Why are we so drawn to social media? The truth behind "perfect" photographed lives

© Your Teen Magazine

Research conducted by the University of Michigan estimated that 210 million people worldwide suffer from chronic addiction to social media. Modern teenagers are living in a new and never-before-seen stage of life, with an entirely different reality than previous generations.

The difference between Gen X and Gen Z is that one generation is growing up with the access to advanced technology that can fit right into our pockets. On one hand, this development is revolutionary, but on the other hand, it can hurt personal growth and human development.

Screen use releases an abundant amount of dopamine to the brain, more than the brain is used to. Family practice physician, Kathryn Lorenz, described prolonged use of electronic devices and the internet, as a “digital drug for our brain.”

Young girls in Ecuador sharing a phone. © Insights \ UIG

A study conducted by Harvard’s Psychology Department reported that we are programmed to feel sensation and a sense of reward after disclosing information about ourselves. And the easiest way to do this is through creating an Instagram post with a picture of ourselves on a Saturday night, or making a Twitter post celebrating a career success.

This opens up issues as well. On social media, we see others succeeding but fail to realize that the perfect human beings in even more beautiful pictures aren’t always succeeding...

The second part of this article is coming soon, along with an introduction to the House of Representatives' TikTok bill.

Check back in on Monday, March 18th by 4:30pm with a new video and more updated content! If you like this article, give it a like and create an account to be notified when the second part is updated.

Share what you think about this issue in the comments to have your ideas featured in Part 2.