Social networks have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of people around the world. From sharing photos and status updates to connecting with friends and family, social media platforms provide us with an unprecedented way of communication and social interaction. However, behind the apparent simplicity of giving and receiving "likes" on publications, there is a complex interaction between these actions and our brain.
The impact of "likes" on social networks on the human mind
"likes" on social networks are a form of social validation that can have a significant impact on our perception of ourselves ourselves and our self-esteem. When we receive a "like" on a post, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. This feeling of gratification can lead to a feeling of satisfaction and happiness, which motivates us to seek more positive interactions on social networks.
On the other hand, the lack of "likes" on a publication It can lead to feelings of rejection, low self-esteem and anxiety. By not receiving the social validation we seek, our brain can interpret this situation as an indication that we are not interesting, popular or liked enough by others.
The effect of social comparison on social networks
One of the main reasons why "likes" on social networks can affect our brain is the natural tendency to compare ourselves with others. When seeing posts from friends, family, or celebrities with high numbers of likes, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing our own online popularity to that of others. This constant comparison can trigger feelings of envy, insecurity and depression, as we feel inferior or dissatisfied with our lives compared to others.
The addiction to social validation on social networks
The need to get "likes" on social networks can become a form of addiction for many people, especially for those who constantly seek external validation to feel good about themselves. This addiction to social validation can have negative effects on our mental health and well-being, as we become dependent on the approval of others to feel valuable or important.
In addition, the constant search for likes " on social media can distract us from real-life interactions and lead us to neglect our personal relationships outside the virtual world. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection as we prioritize online attention over the quality of our face-to-face relationships.
The reward and gratification cycle on social media
The "likes" system on social networks is designed to activate a cycle of reward and gratification in our brain. Every time we receive a "like" on a post, we experience a feeling of pleasure that motivates us to continue seeking more positive interactions online. This constant search for social validation can lead us to spend hours on social media, checking our posts and comparing ourselves to others in a desperate attempt to get more likes and feel accepted.
The importance of disconnect and establish limits
To counteract the negative effects of "likes" on social networks on our brain, it is essential to learn to disconnect and establish healthy limits in our online activity. This may include limiting the time we spend on social media, practicing self-acceptance and gratitude, and cultivating meaningful relationships outside of the virtual world.
In addition, it is important to remember that online popularity does not always reflect our worth as human beings. True happiness and self-esteem come from our connection with ourselves and others, not from the number of "likes" we receive on a social media post.
Seek professional help if necessary
If you feel that "likes" on social networks are negatively affecting your mental health and well-being, do not hesitate to seek professional help. A psychologist or therapist can give you the tools and support necessary to manage your relationship with social networks, improve your self-esteem and cultivate greater self-acceptance.
In short, "likes" on social networks can have a profound impact on our brain and mental health. It is essential to be aware of how these interactions affect our perception of ourselves and set healthy limits on our online activity to preserve our emotional and psychological well-being. By learning to disconnect, practice self-acceptance, and seek support if necessary, we can mitigate the negative effects of social validation on social media and cultivate a healthier relationship with ourselves and others.