Digital media vs mental health:

how excessive use affects our lives

Abstract

The impact of digital media on mental health has become a subject of increasing importance, considering the deep penetration of social networks in everyday life. While
they offer significant benefits, such as the possibility of social connection and access to information, their overuse can result in negative consequences for psychological well- being. Research shows that constant exposure to these platforms affects attention span, focus, and memory, as well as contributing to the development of disorders such as anxiety and depression. The incessant search for online validation, through likes and comments, stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, generating a vicious cycle of immediate satisfaction that can lead to addiction. This dynamic is reinforced by algorithms that personalize content to hold the user's attention, which reduces the ability to disconnect. In addition, the continuous consumption of fragmented information on social networks favors superficial thinking, affecting the quality of learning and critical reasoning. In the face of
these challenges, it is essential to understand how to balance the use of digital media, adopting practices that preserve mental health. This article aims to explore this complex relationship and present strategies for a more conscious and healthy consumption of social networks, aiming to minimize their adverse effects and promote well-being.

KEY-WORDS: digital media; mental health; dopamine; social networks; Addiction.