Why is social media especially addictive to the brain?
Content is educational
Time limits exist
Posts are meaningful
Rewards are unpredictable
What keeps people scrolling longer than planned?
Logical thinking
Social pressure
Clear stopping points
Constant novelty and anticipation
Why do likes affect self-worth?
They increase attention
They show popularity
They measure success
They signal social acceptance
Why can low engagement feel emotionally painful?
It reduces motivation
It feels boring
It wastes time
It feels like rejection
Why do people present ideal versions of themselves online?
They avoid interaction
They want control over how they are seen
They forget reality
They dislike honesty
What problem can arise from maintaining a curated online identity?
Increased confidence
More privacy
Better communication
Emotional exhaustion
Why does oversharing feel easier online than in person?
There is emotional distance
More trust exists
Attention feels guaranteed
Feedback is instant
What does the brain often mistake online attention for?
Popularity
Entertainment
Emotional support
Validation
Why does social media increase comparison?
Other people’s highlights are always visible
Success is measured
Reality is clearer online
Competition is encouraged
Why does comparison online often feel worse than in real life?
Time is limited
Failures are hidden
People lie
Emotions are controlled
What is the main goal of social media algorithms?
User happiness
Maximizing attention
Accurate information
Social connection
Why do emotional posts spread faster?
They feel personal
They hold attention longer
They are honest
They are relatable
What defines a parasocial relationship?
Real interaction
Shared experiences
One-sided emotional connection
Mutual support
Why can parasocial relationships feel comforting?
The brain treats them as real
They reduce stress hormones
They increase confidence
They replace friendships
Why do curated lives feel discouraging?
They hide everyday reality
They lack context
They exaggerate success
They reduce motivation
Why are influencers also affected by fake perfection?
They attract criticism
They feel pressure to perform
They lose privacy
They gain attention
