Reflections

The research helped me understand the damage that social media is doing to my brain. The harm is hidden from the majority of the public. I have personally lowered my usage of Facebook to once every five days. Preserving my brain’s proper dopamine function is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I currently will not have a social media tab open, while engaging in a work or class assignment.

I distrust the technology industry. They understand that dopamine can keep a customer coming back; because they are addicted to the technology. This is a form of mind control, which I was not aware of, when I first started researching social media’s influence on our brain. Industry experts design their applications to feed into the impulsive nature of humans. They acknowledge the increase revenue and power they gain by expanding their network reach. I have noticed that I am giving these corporations valuable data; which can manipulate my behavior. However, if people are educated on a massive scale of the problems caused by social media; the companies will deny the fact.

It is up to the individual to protect themselves and their family. I am taking a proactive approach to limiting the amount of social media my children view. I also speak to students at my job about limiting their time on social media; while encouraging them to engage in social activities like sports. Real human relationships are the replacement of artificial digital interactions.

I fear the development of virtual reality. I feel virtual reality will have a stronger influence over a person’s brain chemistry, than digital social media on a screen.  The development of this technology may undermine thousands of years of human brain evolution.