Author: Christian Karasiewicz

Whether you realize it or not, Facebook is changing the way we think.  For example, if something good (or bad) happens in our lives, instead of cherishing that moment, we’re quick to rush off to our favorite social networks to share the good news.  The same holds true with each new ding or buzz from our smartphones.  

Not only is Facebook helping build better relationships, but it’s also fueling our addiction to feeling good.

The Psychology of Facebook

With each ding or buzz indicating we have a new notification, not only are we quick to rush to check out what’s going on, but in the process, we’re simply replenishing our dopamine levels. For those of you who don’t know, dopamine helps in the transmissions of signals in the brain, it also plays a role in addiction.

So every time that we receive a new notification on our phones, we’re simply just fueling our addiction – and not in a good way.

In fact, Best Masters in Psychology found the following:

Internet addicts have 10 percent to 20 percent smaller brain areas for important functions such as speech, memory, motor control, emotion, sensory, and other information. The more time that is spent online, the more the brain atrophies in these areas.

It’s pretty scary to think that there’s a psychology to Facebook and that the more time we spend on Facebook, networking and building relationships, we’re rewiring our brains in the process to the point

In addition to altering vital functions like speech, memory, motor control and emotion, be sure to check out this psychology of Facebook infographic and the longterm effects that spending time on a social network like Facebook can have. 

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