Recently, I asked someone to kindly remove a Facebook tag from a promotional post. Unfortunately, this led to being blocked and receiving some unkind messages. I truly apologize if I came across as rude, as that wasn’t my intention.

It got me thinking, though—how quickly interactions online can escalate, often without us even knowing each other. How did it become OK to abruptly respond without consequence? Then I remember… social media did that.

It’s no secret that using Facebook and other social platforms triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. Whether it’s a like, a comment, or an emoji reaction, it creates a cycle that’s easy to rely on for a quick boost of happiness throughout the day.You can

see how this would become an addicting, go-to dopamine release pattern.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, social media platforms even tap into the same neural pathways as addictive behaviors like gambling and substance use, which explains why it can be hard to break free from constant scrolling.

I sometimes wish we could reconnect in more personal ways—a phone call, a meetup, or even an open conversation online, rather than hiding behind the block button or hurtful comments. Instead, we rely on Facebook as a place to say or do things that we might not say in person. It’s easy to forget the impact our words can have when we’re behind a screen.

This is something I have to remind myself of, too.

As we head into the darker, colder months, maybe it’s a good time to take a break from social media and focus on our mental well-being. Let’s look for more meaningful connections, both online and off.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

Read more about me here