The Psychobiology of Problematic Use of Social Media

Purpose of Review: The psychobiological mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of problematic use of social media (PUSM) and their similarities and differences with mechanisms of addictive behaviors are not well understood. A synthetic review of recent literature is necessary to improve our understanding of the psychobiology of PUSM and stimulate further research and discussion. Recent Findings: PUSM is associated with increased cue reactivity and sensitivity to social-media–related rewards, poor inhibitory control, and limited affective regulation. Striatal-PFC pathways, insular morphology, and structure of the corpus callosum may underlie maladaptive behaviors in PUSM. Event-related–potential components, such as the P3, N2, N1, and late positive potentials, indicate possible alterations in emotional regulation and inhibitory processes and a greater allocation of attentional resources to social-media–related cues in individuals with PUSM. Behavioral and subjective measures have provided mixed or null findings related to PUSM. Summary: Development of a standardized method for the detection and categorization of PUSM into levels/stages of intensity is necessary. Due to limited studies of PUSM, there exist knowledge gaps relating to the definition, identification, and understanding of psychobiological mechanisms underlying PUSM. Future research should attempt to fill these gaps using standardized approaches. How interventions may operate at biological levels may provide important insights into better prevention and treatment efforts.