Media use and brain development during adolescence

Nat Commun. 2018 Feb 21;9(1):588. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-03126-x.

Abstract

The current generation of adolescents grows up in a media-saturated world. However, it is unclear how media influences the maturational trajectories of brain regions involved in social interactions. Here we review the neural development in adolescence and show how neuroscience can provide a deeper understanding of developmental sensitivities related to adolescents' media use. We argue that adolescents are highly sensitive to acceptance and rejection through social media, and that their heightened emotional sensitivity and protracted development of reflective processing and cognitive control may make them specifically reactive to emotion-arousing media. This review illustrates how neuroscience may help understand the mutual influence of media and peers on adolescents' well-being and opinion formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Development*
  • Brain / growth & development*
  • Emotions*
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior
  • Internet
  • Mental Health*
  • Peer Group
  • Psychological Distance*
  • Social Media*