Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: why likes hurt your brain

Likes on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have a negative effect on your brain, say several experts. It is because of these "likes" that many Internet users have become dependent on social networks. In response, some organizations want to ban the likes of the internet.

A few days ago, Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter, launched a rant against the likes, report our colleagues TechCrunch. "If I had to start all over again, I would not put the number of followers or likes so much ahead. In fact, I think I would not add the likes simply "explains the founder of the social network. The leader believes that because of the likes, users are focusing more on the popularity of their publications than on their interactions.

Likes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram make users dependent

Jack Dorsey is not the only one to conspire the dictatorship of likes, report our fellow Korii. According to Sean Parker, former president of Facebook, the likes system knowingly draws its strengths from the "weaknesses of human beings". According to him, the creators of Facebook have set up likes to push users to return regularly to the social network, reports The Verge. In other words, Facebook offers an instant psychological "reward" for each photo or publication. "God only knows what it does to our children's brains," Parker said.

As Korii points out, each like triggers a shot of dopamine in the brain of internet users. As a reminder, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a very important role in controlling mood. This chemical reaction would be responsible for your outbursts of joy and your desires. Not surprisingly, dopamine also plays a key role in the process that leads to addiction. Some neurology researchers call this the brain circuit of the reward.

The end of likes on social networks?

Aware of the impact of Likes on the brain of Internet users, especially the youngest ones, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), a UK organization dedicated to data protection, has submitted a comprehensive report to the UK Parliament. "Reward loops or positive reinforcement techniques can encourage or encourage users to stay actively engaged on a social network, allowing the service to collect more personal data," the organization accuses. In its report, the ICO wants Facebook and other platforms to ban likes for users under 18 years old.

Some social networks already consider giving less place and importance to likes. This is the case of Instagram. In recent days, the platform hides the number of likes under a publication for some users. It is simply seen as "loved by X and others". "Subscribers focus on what you share, not the number of mentions of your posts," says Instagram to The Verge. What do you think about likes? Will social networks be less harmful without them? We are waiting for your opinion in the comments.