Abstract

The pervasive influence of social media platforms on cognitive function and mental health has become a significant concern in the digital age. These platforms, designed to capture and sustain user attention through features like notifications and algorithmdriven content, contribute to fragmented attention, reduced focus, and overstimulation. Neuroimaging studies highlight the activation of reward pathways, prioritizing instant gratification at the expense of sustained cognitive engagement. This digital overstimulation, coupled with multitasking, impairs cognitive efficiency and memory retention, leading to the phenomenon of "digital amnesia." Social media use also influences decision-making and impulse control, particularly in younger users, by fostering impulsive behaviors and undermining critical thinking. Additionally, exposure to idealized portrayals of others' lives exacerbates feelings of inadequacy, which can negatively impact mental health, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Strategies for mitigating these effects include digital detoxes, mindful social media usage, and education on emotional intelligence, promoting offline activities, platform responsibility, community support, and research into long-term consequences. Ultimately, while social media facilitates connection and information sharing, its excessive use poses significant risks to cognitive function and emotional well-being.