No wonder so many people are hopelessly hooked on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms. “It’s been proven that social media ‘likes’ affect that part of our brain that has to do with rewards,” says Edgardo Juan Tolentino, MD, Chairman of the Neurological Sciences of the top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center . “The more ‘likes’ you get, the greater the release of dopamine, a hormone associated with happiness.
Keeping in touch with family and friends was the chief reason for using social media, say respondents. But don’t be surprised if they stay for their dopamine fix, too: 30 percent of the total users are between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, the ages that seek attention, validation, and a sense of identity.
It can introduce you to supportive communities. Trying to lose weight? Training to run your first marathon? Battling a health issue? “There are social media communities that exist for these and other endeavors,” says Dr. Tolentino. “The right virtual community will make you feel accepted. It will cheer for you when you have accomplishments, root for you when you’re down, and motivate you to make positive and lasting changes in your lifestyle.