12/29/2025
🧠 Our Brains, Our Screens & the Dopamine Loop
In a world where our attention is currency, the line between use and addiction is getting blurrier.
Anna Lembke reminds us that the surge of dopamine triggered by every like, new notification, and refresh is not so different from what you’d see in more “classic” addictions.
🔍 What the science shows
* Digital platforms stimulate the brain’s reward pathways, the same ones involved in substance and behavioral addictions.
* Social media’s feedback loops (likes, comments, new content) keep us returning, because every hit triggers “just enough” novelty and dopamine release to keep us hooked.
* Over time, this can lead to altered brain connectivity or reduced sensitivity in dopamine circuits, meaning more screen time, less satisfaction.
✅ What this means for leaders & teams
* We’re not just managing tools; we’re managing attention. Recognizing that the environment is designed for engagement (not necessarily for our wellbeing) is the first step.
* Creating intentional tech habits is key. Buffering your day with focused work, tech off periods, meaningful breaks = reclaiming autonomy over your focus.
* For teams: Encourage culture norms around mindful collaboration (e.g., fewer notifications, purposeful check‑ins, distraction‑free zones).
* For yourself: Pause the reflexive check. Ask, “What am I after right now?” If it’s not aligned with your goals, maybe it’s a habit, not a need.
💡 In summary�
We’ve built tools that can be hyper rewarding, and our brains didn’t come with an off switch. If we’re not mindful, we end up serving the tool rather than enabling our purpose.
As Anna Lembke points out, the question isn’t just “Can I?” it’s “Should I, and in service of what?”
https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2021/10/addictive-potential-of-social-media-explained.html
Stanford psychiatrist Anna Lembke's book, Dopamine Nation, explains our brain chemistry's role in modern society's addiction to social media.