Beyond problematic social media use and the brain: A public health and policy perspective

Abstract

Growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health have been a topic of particular interest. However, maladaptive patterns of use, such as problematic social media use (PSMU), do not currently have official diagnostic recognition as a possible behavioral addiction. This commentary discusses PSMU within a framework of addictive behavior and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. In addition, opportunities to prevent and mitigate PSMU in public health policy and practice are explored, including health protection, preventive interventions, assessment and surveillance, and health promotion. This comprehensive approach incorporates learning from existing public health frameworks and parallels to behavioral and substance use addictions.