Stopping The Scroll: Navigating the Intersectionality of TikTok/Instagram and Youth Social Media Addiction-View Presentation

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Video Summary

This session, led by Drs. Ashwin Sood and Mark Potenza, addressed the complex intersection of TikTok, Instagram, and youth social media addiction. They discussed the rapid evolution and widespread use of these platforms among adolescents, emphasizing the neurobiological vulnerability of the developing brain—particularly the imbalance between reward-driven subcortical regions and immature prefrontal control areas—which predisposes youth to addictive behaviors like excessive scrolling. Data from large studies like the Adolescent Brain Cognition and Development (ABCD) study demonstrate associations between high screen media activity and poorer cognitive performance, increased psychopathology, impulsivity, and behavioral problems, disproportionately affecting minority and lower socioeconomic groups.<br /><br />TikTok’s algorithmic design, short video format, and challenges contribute to high engagement but also potential risks such as exposure to harmful content and misinformation. Conversely, social media can provide supportive communities and psychoeducation. Instagram, with its billion-plus users, remains prominent, particularly among 18-34-year-olds, with features like feeds, Reels, and direct messaging shaping user experience. Clinicians are encouraged to understand platform functions and incorporate targeted, empathetic interview techniques to assess usage patterns, motivations, and effects on sleep, self-esteem, and academic performance.<br /><br />Tools like the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale and ICD-11-aligned assessments assist in identifying problematic use. Prevention strategies emphasize age-appropriate screen time, open family dialogues, consistent boundaries, and promoting alternative coping skills. The session highlighted the balancing act between protecting youth mental health and respecting civil liberties, referencing regulatory efforts and the need for further research on long-term neurodevelopmental impacts. The presenters advocated for collaborative engagement among families, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and tech companies to mitigate harms and support healthy digital habits among youth.

Keywords

obesity treatment

psychiatric medication management

weight gain side effects

psychotropic-induced weight gain

BMI screening

waist circumference

behavioral interventions

5A model

motivational interviewing

GLP-1 receptor agonists

phentermine-topiramate

metformin

multidisciplinary care

TikTok

Instagram

youth social media addiction

neurobiological vulnerability

adolescent brain development

reward-driven subcortical regions

prefrontal control areas

Adolescent Brain Cognition and Development (ABCD) study

screen media activity

psychopathology

Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

ICD-11 assessments