Swipe, Play, Repeat: Why Social Media and Video Games are So Addictive episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 22, 2025 · 17 MIN

Swipe, Play, Repeat: Why Social Media and Video Games are So Addictive

from Planting Thoughts · host Mike

In this episode, we dive deep into the brain science behind our obsession with social media and video games. Why can’t we put down our phones or stop playing just one more level? It’s all about dopamine—the brain's feel-good neurotransmitter, which fuels the endless cycle of rewards that keep us hooked. From the unpredictable “hits” of likes and loot boxes to the infinite scroll and FOMO, we break down how these platforms are designed to trigger our brains’ reward system and make us crave more. But it’s not all fun and games—excessive screen time is linked to anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and even addiction. Tune in to understand why these digital habits are so hard to break, and what the science says about the impact on our mental health and relationships. Ready to break the cycle? Let’s dig in!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 22, 2025

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Swipe, Play, Repeat: Why Social Media and Video Games are So Addictive

0:00 17:53

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Planting Thoughts?

This episode is 17 minutes long.

When was this Planting Thoughts episode published?

This episode was published on March 22, 2025.

Can I download this Planting Thoughts episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!