SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION: MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPMENT, COGNITIVE AND MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS, AND RELAPSE PROCESSES — A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Social media addiction, particularly among adolescents, is a growing behavioral concern with cognitive and psychological implications. This review examines prevalence, mechanisms, neurocognitive effects, and mental health outcomes. Across 63 samples from 32 countries, prevalence ranged from 0% to 82%, with adolescents more affected than adults. Addiction is driven by dopamine-mediated reward systems, variable reinforcement, and emotional factors, including instant gratification, perceived irreplaceability, separation anxiety, and fear of missing out, which also contribute to relapse. Neurocognitive studies show impaired prefrontal cortex function, altered Beta and Gamma activity, and reduced attention span. Psychologically, addiction correlates with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and diminished academic performance.