During pre-adolescence and early adolescence, the brain undergoes substantial restructuring and development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the limbic system. The PFC, responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, matures gradually. Meanwhile, the limbic system, which includes structures like the amygdala and hippocampus involved in emotion and memory, is highly active, reactive and undergoes rapid changes.
Adolescents are particularly dopamine-dependent, meaning their developing brains and nervous systems are more responsive to dopamine. The sensory experience of a dopamine "hit" is what drives the novelty-seeking behavior and the tendency toward compulsive and impulsive acttivities. This heightened sensitivity to dopamine makes adolescents more likely to seek out experiences that provide immediate gratification and high stimulation, conditions that will trigger a "dopa-drop."
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat provide instant feedback through likes, comments, and shares, creating a cycle of "hits" or "fixes" that motivate frequent use. Frequent engagement with social media can create an addiction to dopa-drops. As the addiction develops, adolescents (who are neurologically undeveloped, relationally immature and operating with literally half a brain) are conditioned to expect immediate social/relational validation. The expectation is to feel instantly good and to be able to sustain that sensory state. This expectation is going into the body/brain hard-wiring and will be the foundational material upon which they draw when attempting intimate, long-term adult relationships.
Exposure to pornography can also significantly impact the developing brain by providing an intense and immediate form of sexual stimulation. This can affect adolescents' expectations and experiences of intimacy and sexual relationships, potentially leading to unrealistic standards and the expectation of immediate gratification, along with a reduced capacity for emotional connection in real-life relationships.
Interestingly, foods that are high in sugar and intense in artifical flavor stimulate the release of dopamine as well, providing a quick and intense pleasure response. Over time, this can lead to a preference for highly stimulating foods over whole foods, as the latter may not provide the same immediate sensory "fix."
Again, during this highly impressionable phase of human development, many teens are developing brains and nervous systems conditioned to "need" high-intensity input. Many of these teens don't have the bonding foundation to regulate or reset when the source of stimulation, be it phone, computer, social media, fast food or porn is restricted or removed. Withdrawal from dopamine depenedency is as painful as any attempt to move from substance addiction to sobriety. However, the greater challenge is that, without a bonded foundation, teens don't have the resources of resilience and self-regulation in the data-base of their nervous systems . . . it's terrifying, not to be able to use, and not to be able to regulate or stabilize any other way.
The introduction of the high-stimulation activities and substances mentioned above during the critical developmental period of adolescence can organize the nervous system to prioritize immediate rewards (sensory pleasure) over long-term satisfaction and depth in relationships. This has several implications for social and emotional development.
Adolescents who are accustomed to high levels of stimulation may find it challenging to engage in and appreciate relationships that do not provide instant gratification. This can lead to superficial interactions and difficulties in forming deep, meaningful connections.
The reliance on high-stimulation activities for emotional satisfaction can impair the development of emotional regulation skills. Adolescents may struggle with managing negative emotions and may turn to stimulating activities as a coping mechanism, rather than developing organic, body-based, somatic and relational strategies for emotional resilience.
The preference for high-stimulation environments can impact an adolescent's ability to focus and sustain attention in less stimulating contexts, such as academic work or calm, mindful activities. This can affect academic performance and the development of skills that require sustained effort and concentration.
As adolescents transition into adulthood, the neural pathways established during their formative years can lead to several challenges. Again, interestingly, adults who grew up consuming high-sugar and artificially high-flavor foods may find it difficult to transition to a diet of whole foods. Whole foods, which may not provide the same intense sensory experience, can seem bland and unsatisfying, leading to poor dietary choices and associated health problems.
The expectation of high-intensity emotional and sensory experiences can impact romantic and social relationships. Adults may struggle with the slower, more nuanced development of mature relationships and may have unrealistic expectations of constant excitement and novelty.
The reliance on high-stimulation activities for emotional satisfaction can result in poor emotional resilience. Adults may continue to seek out immediate gratification through various means, such as substance use, compulsive behaviors, or unhealthy relationships, rather than developing the capacity to cope with stress and adversity in healthier ways.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes promoting optimal bonding in infancy and early childhood. It's crucially important to remember that children are primarily dependent on the nervous systems of their parents. The greatest gift any parent will ever give their child is their willingness to learn about and be responsible for their own psychological, emotional, somatic and spiritual experience. The parents will be the initial and original re-source for the child . . . meaning the child will learn how to regulate and resource themselves by the example and modeling of the parent.
Teaching adolescents and adults the mindfullness skills needed to regulate their emotions and reduce reliance on high-stimulation activities is popular now, and important, but healing the self-sensory, self-awareness gap created by insufficient bonding is the best way to ensure that mindfulness skills and practices have a sustainable ground. Finding and taking advantage of experiential, body-based, somatic opportunities for the formation and maintenance of healthy, deep relationships, emphasizing communication, empathy, and trust will impact parents first and then most positively, the generations to come.
Of course, it may be obvious, but needs to be said: Encouraging a balanced approach to technology use, including setting boundaries on social media access and promoting offline activities that foster real-life connections and experiences, is absolutely required. For more on this topic consider listening to the following podcast:
Huberman Lab
Discussion with Jonathan Haidt
How Smart Phones and Social Media Impact Mental Health & the Realistic Solutions
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