By Isaac Zammit
“The essential question is whether the current information system is contributing to the betterment of the human person; that is, does it make people more spiritually mature, more aware of the dignity of their humanity, more responsible, or more open to others, in particular to the neediest and the weakest.” -Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace 2004
Social media has become synonymous with the lives of young people, offering unparalleled access to social interaction and information. However, this digital connectivity comes with a significant downside: its highly addictive nature and the myriad of effects this addiction has on a person’s mental health. Understanding the mechanisms behind social media’s addictive qualities and the scale of its effects is essential for realizing the scope of the issue and formulating strategies to address it.
Dopamine, one of the body’s four ‘reward chemicals’, plays the crucial role of motivating people to seek out and engage in activities associated with basic human instincts and needs. This ‘motivation chemical’ spikes in response to stimuli such as food, sex, or social interactions. Social media exploits this system through their instant feedback loops of likes and shares, sexually explicit material, and one-sided interactions (creating parasocial relationships). This creates a worrying and addictive environment where social media mimics the dopamine-driven behaviors of seeking resources, survival, and community in a manner that is instantaneous and can be experienced in isolation.
The design of social media algorithms ensures users are always in constant anticipation of the next reward. The ‘infinite scroll’ found on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Youtube Shorts is a prime example of this, presenting a never-ending stream of short-form content designed with the intent to capture and retain your attention. Akin to a slot machine, the ‘infinite scroll’ makes the outcome of your next swipe unpredictable. This glues users to their screens as the potential for a future reward spikes dopamine with each video. Content that is hyper-sexualized or parasocial is emphasized in these algorithms due to its high user engagement, or, in other words, its addictive potential.
Moreover, social media inherently promotes a filtered view of life. Seeing everyone’s curated posts, which show exclusively the highlights of their experiences, as well as seeing the community’s applause for that in the form of likes and reactions, can lead to self-judgment and comparison.
Statistics underscore the reality of chronic social media usage among teenagers. A staggering 97% of teens report using social media, with 35% describing their use as ‘almost constantly’. In the last two years alone, there has been a 17% increase in average screen time, with 83% of that being spent consuming media rather than communicating with friends.
This trend is alarming given the strong correlation between an individual’s degree of social media usage and mental health issues. The rise in chronic social media usage among young Australians is particularly concerning. Young people in Australia are facing unprecedented levels of isolative practices, digital escapism, anxiety, and depression. Currently, Australians below the age of 24 are the loneliest they’ve ever been, with over 25% of the demographic reporting this. Additionally, it has been found to worsen sleep, memory, and academic performance. Furthermore, social media’s perversion of validation has a profound impact on self-perception. It is a system that encourages genuine and meaningful connection to be replaced with the abstract quest for likes. In chronic social media users, this often results in them dictating their own self-worth through the number of reactions to their posts, as they feel comfortable with that as ‘proof’ of their value, mimicking the human need for community in isolation and reinforcing anti-social behaviors.
Moving forward, addressing the challenges posed by social media addiction among teens requires a multifaceted approach rooted in compassion, community, and ethical responsibility—core values emphasized in Catholic teachings. By fostering environments both online and offline that encourage authentic connections, empathy, and mutual support, we can counteract the isolating effects of digital dependency. This starts with guiding and encouraging young people to seek fulfillment in real-life activities and communities, reflecting on their role as social beings. By acknowledging our call to family, community, and participation, Catholic principles can be used to empower young people to navigate the addictive pull of social media and gain a clearer perspective on their own worth.