The-Neuroscience-of-Scrolling-How-Reels-Trigger-Dopamine-and-Pleasure-Pathways

"Watching videos on Instagram and other platforms may appear to be a harmless pastime, but recent studies indicate that the addiction to short videos actually has effects on the brain that are quite similar to those caused by alcohol. Continuous scrolling and the resultant dopamine spikes create loops of instant gratification that gradually knock the self-control down, shorten the attention span, and raise the stress level. This type of behavior resembles that of addiction, where the brain gets used to and wants quick and frequent rewards. Some psychologists are already predicting that the users of short videos might soon be the ones with the aforementioned mental health problems as they become more and more moody and are driving themselves to compulsively keep on with their scrolling habits.

Creators of reels pay no limits to grab the users' attention via fast visuals, loud audio, and unpredictable stuff – which in turn activate the same reward pathways that are associated with dopamine addiction. In the long run, the users will start undergoing anxiety, irritability, lack of focus, and reduced motivation. This is the reason why experts are giving very strong recommendations of digital detox habits, mindfulness, and healthier screen-time boundaries in order to regain cognitive balance.

If one is aware of the brain effects of short-form videos one will be able to control him/herself and the habit will not turn into an addiction that would interfere with the person's daily life activities.

Read More: https://www.findrehabcentres.com/behavioral-therapies/is-watching-reels-detrimental-for-your-brain-like-drinking-alcohol-finding-out-the-hidden-effects/"