Social media platforms are the new town square, but the anonymity of online profiles and algorithmically funneled echo chambers has led to toxic interactions and overconcern about how we present ourselves. While social networks claim to connect us, they often distract us from connecting with those directly in front of us, leaving many feeling paradoxically connected and socially isolated. Moreover, the dopamine-inducing features of social media utilize the same neural circuitry as gambling, causing the brain’s reward region to trigger the same kind of chemical reaction seen with drugs like cocaine. Here’s everything you need to know about social media addiction and some tips from the Android Authority team to curb it.

Why is social media addictive?

The short answer: because the apps are designed to be. As the late Edward O. Wilson famously stated, “the real problem of humanity is the following: we have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and god-like technology.” While civilization is spurring-off new marvels every day, our brains are the same as they were in pre-historic times, and our biological hardware can’t keep up with the rapid developments of modern life. As such, technology has outsmarted us. It can learn and predict what we like based on our psychological biases and vulnerabilities, so getting sucked into our smartphones is anything but an accident.