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Moreover, social media exploits the brain's dopamine reward system—creating a cycle where validation cues become addictive. Users, especially impressionable children, find themselves compelled to return repeatedly for that fleeting thrill of affirmation, which can foster dependency on external validation.
Why Age 16 Is a Reasonable Milestone
Given these dynamics, raising the minimum age for social media access to 16 appears to be a prudent measure. At this age, individuals are generally better equipped to understand and manage the psychological impacts of online interactions. It also provides more time to develop self-awareness and resilience against the addictive, performance-driven aspects of these platforms.