Gradually the TikTok It has become one of the most successful social networks, especially for young people, and the concept of short videos has been appropriated by many other platforms such as Instagram, Youtube, etc. However, according to a neuroscientist, this system is extremely harmful to the brain. It can, therefore, permanently and negatively interfere with important functions such as focus andUnderstand why TikTok harms the brain.

Read more: Overuse of social networks increases the feeling of loneliness

Does TikTok harm the brain after all?

According to a study by neuroscientist Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela, approved by the scientific journal Brazilian Journal of Development As a consequence, it causes hormonal imbalances that reduce the ability to concentrate and can trigger anxiety and depression.

According to him, the excessive use of speed-driven social networks shapes brain chemistry. In this way, it causes a addiction to the dopamine generated by these 'pleasure pills', resulting in mental fatigue.

This mental fatigue prevents our brain from being able to complete tasks such as reading a book, studying, cleaning the house, cooking, etc., always replacing them with other activities before they are fully completed. This is because the brain is used to replacing stimuli with stronger ones in just a swipe of the fingers, which affects reality by reducing the brain's capabilities.

Dopamine Doses

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain, linked to feelings of pleasure. When released in the brain, it activates a reward system for pleasurable activities that are stimulated and trivialized by the use of social networks. Thus, it causes the brain to become "addicted" to dopamine, needing higher and higher doses and halting tasks as soon as the doses are reduced.

This process impairs attention, focus, concentration, memory, learning, and several other brain functions, creating and reinforcing a vicious cycle of social media use.

Source: Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues, neuroscientist.