Social Media is Harming Your Kid’s Brain? – Why Fear-Mongering About Kid’s Brains Misses the Point

Recently, we read the following statement that was published online from an Internet safety presenter,

“Research shows that excessive social media use can significantly impact children’s brain development”

Interesting statement when the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest long-term research project on brain development in the US, following over a thousand children for four years says otherwise. (1) The media, special interest groups, some policymakers, and even some digital literacy and internet safety presenters have sometimes exaggerated the findings of research in this area of brain study, implying that technology use is rewiring children’s brains in alarming ways. However, the ABCD study itself does not support such drastic claims. The research is ongoing, and a more balanced perspective is needed when interpreting its results.

The conversation about technology and youth often carries an ominous tone, with concerns that these devices are fundamentally altering the brains of young people. Some argue that cellphones are reshaping attention spans, emotional regulation, and even cognitive development. While there is truth to the idea that the human brain is changing in response to everything we do throughout life, this phenomenon is far from unique. In fact, the brain is constantly evolving and adapting based on experiences, a characteristic known as neuroplasticity – there is a great book that explains this very process called, “The Brain That Changes Itself” (2)

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself throughout life in response to experiences. This concept is well-established in neuroscience and can be seen in various stages of human development. For instance, did you know that a mother’s brain undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, with increased activity in regions associated with empathy, emotional regulation, and social cognition. These changes help new mothers bond with their infants and respond to their needs more effectively. (3)

Similarly, the brains of bilingual individuals physically change to accommodate multiple languages, developing denser grey matter in areas associated with language processing and executive function (4), or learning how to juggle can change the brain. (5) Even musicians show structural brain changes, particularly in regions related to auditory processing and motor control. (6)

Arguing that “research shows excessive social media use can significantly impact children’s brain development” as a reason to restrict youth and teens from using technology is like saying we should restrict pregnancy, learning a new language, juggling, or learning how to playing a musical instrument because they also significantly impact brain development. However, it is important to acknowledge for those under the age of six, there is research to support that the “overuse” of technology can hinder developing essential self-regulatory skills, leading to more anger, frustration, and poorer effortful control. (7)

Given the brain’s adaptability, it’s no surprise that the widespread use of technology maybe influencing neural development. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean harm, it simply means adaptation and this is what the ABCD study is looking at specific to what this adaptation means.

Technology, like any significant societal shift, are part of an ongoing evolution in how humans interact with the world. The brain has always adapted to new stimuli, whether it be reading, urbanization, or technological advancements. Rather than focusing solely on fear-based narratives, a more balanced approach recognizes both the challenges and opportunities that come with change.

As parents and caregivers, understanding neuroplasticity can provide reassurance that change isn’t inherently negative. Instead of viewing technology as an unnatural disruptor of youth brain development, it may be more productive to focus on how we guide and support young people in using technology wisely. Just as we support new mothers, bilingual learners, and musicians in developing their unique skills, we can help our children navigate and benefit from the onlife world in a healthy, informed way.

The fear-mongering around social media “rewiring” children’s brains oversimplifies a complex issue and ignores the reality of neuroplasticity, our brains are constantly adapting to new experiences, not just technology. The ABCD study, the largest of its kind, does not support alarmist claims that social media is inherently harmful to brain development. Instead of focusing on fear, we should emphasize guidance, education, and balance in how young people engage with technology. Just as we encourage learning new skills, languages, or even musical instruments, each of which reshapes the brain, we should approach digital literacy with the same mindset: as an opportunity to equip youth with the tools to navigate the onlife world in a healthy, informed way.

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