Social Media - Psychological and Mental Health Toll

Platforms are engineered using principles derived from behavioral psychology to create a feedback loop of variable rewards, cultivating addictive behaviors similar to gambling. This intentional design fuels the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and a decline in productivity. Furthermore, the constant exposure to curated highlight reels fuels Social Comparison Theory, leading to anxiety and diminished self-worth. An over-reliance on virtual communication contributes to feelings of social isolation despite constant connection.