Is Social Media Affecting Our Brains?

Join us for this episode as we explore the timely and widely discussed topic of social media and its effects on the brain. With platforms becoming an ever-present part of young people’s daily lives, many are asking: Why are these platforms so addictive, and how are they influencing brain development? From the pull of endless scrolling to the phenomenon of “doomscrolling,” we unpack what is really happening behind the screen. To help us navigate these important questions, we are joined by Dr. Emma Duerden, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience & Learning Disorders, and leader of the Developing Brain Lab at Western University. Her research examines how social media and screen time shape brain development, mental health, and learning outcomes in children and adolescents. Together, we discuss what the science says about social media use, how it may be impacting youth, and what parents, educators, and young people themselves should know.