The Effects of Social Feedback Through the "Like" Feature on Brain Activity: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Media Studies

Background:

• Problematic social media (SM) use is a growing concern, especially among adolescents.
• SM dependence involves excessive, uncontrolled usage impacting personal and social life.
• The neural impact of social feedback, like "likes," on the adolescent brain is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the neural correlates of online social feedback.
• To investigate the effects of "like" feedback on brain activity using fMRI and EEG.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Analysis of 11 studies involving 504 participants.

Main Results:

• Key brain structures involved in reward processing include the amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and ventral striatum.
• Positive feedback ("likes") activates the nucleus accumbens (NACC), vmPFC, and amygdala, with NACC linked to SM use intensity.
• Negative feedback activates the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC); positive feedback influences social interactions.

Conclusions:

• Disparities exist in understanding neural responses to social feedback.
• Further research is needed on the roles of sex, personality, and feedback source.
• Understanding neurobiological underpinnings is crucial for interventions addressing excessive SM use.