Your brain on social media: It's not just addictive, it's transformative. Here's why. In this episode of the Brain Blown Podcast, we're logging into the neuroscience of social media and belonging. We'll explore: Why that notification "ping" feels so irresistible How social media taps into our primal need for connection The surprising ways our brains react to likes, comments, and shares Why teenagers' brains are particularly susceptible to social media's allure The neural pathways that light up when we're scrolling – and how they're changing over time From the prefrontal cortex to the ventral striatum, we're mapping the brain's social media hotspots. Join us as we uncover the fascinating relationship between our neurons and our newsfeeds. Plus, we'll discuss how this digital revolution is providing neuroscientists with unprecedented insights into human behavior and social cognition. Tune in, and you might just see your next post through a whole new lens. Look out for more mini-episodes on this topic in the coming weeks! For more ways to get involved with the Brain Blown Community, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/brainblownpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn about our offers!  If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES "The Emerging Neuroscience of Social Media" Dar Meshi, Diana I. Tamir, and Hauke R. Heekeren "Social Influence on Positive Youth Development: A Developmental Neuroscience Perspective" Eva H. Telzer, Jorien van Hoorn, Christina R. Rogers, Kathy T. Do "The neuroscience of social feelings: mechanisms of adaptive social functioning" Paul J. Eslinger, Silke Anders, Tommaso Ballarini, Sydney Boutros, Soren Krach, Annalina V. Mayer, Jorge Moll, Tamara L. Newton, Matthias L. Schroeter, Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza, Jacob Raber, Gavin B. Sullivan, James E. Swain, Leroy Lowe, Roland Zahn "Brain and Social Networks: Fundamental Building Blocks of Human Experience" Emily B. Falk and Danielle S. Bassett "Mind the Gender Gap" Gina Rippon "Change: How to Make Big Things Happen" Damon Centola