The psychology behind social media

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the world wide web (www) talked about its first 30 years, the rise of the toxic internet, and whether Facebook needs to be broken up.

By now scientists proved that social media triggers the same center in our brain, which is responsible for rewards. In other words, the center of pleasure. Every time we see a bigger number of likes, our brain initiates a huge increase in the hormone called dopamine. But, why do people show off on Facebook? Sometimes, people with an ego usually feel the need to impress others with how powerful or beautiful, or how qualified they are(!) and their ability to demean others. Some researchers think it is due to 'insecurity' – a common reason behind showiness when trying to prove that they are important.

Some may consider it as an 'attention-seeking disorder'. Some want too much attention from their colleagues, friends, or close ones. This could be a mental illness, known as 'Histrionic Personality Disorder' (HPD) marked by uneven emotions, a distorted self-image, and a desire to be noticed. They often behave improperly to get attention. Attention-seeking behaviour may breed from jealousy, low confidence, or as a result of a personality disorder. The main characteristics of a histrionic personality are - constantly seeking attention, and being irritating in situations where they are not the center of attention.

As we started with Berners-Lee, he quietly recalled his reaction to the Web's recent abuses. He was sad and said, "Actually, physically—my mind and body were in a different state." It is really painful to watch his creation so distorted.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org