While internet "likes" can be positive social cues, the yearning for "likes" can often become obsessive, and heighten teen anxiety. Check in with your kids. Dialogue with them about "likes" and what these "likes" are about for them. It's an excellent opportunity to "hear" your teens, and for you to be supportive, and heard in return.
"A “like,” for the uninitiated, refers to the positive feedback given to a post on social media. And new research shows that likes appear to be somewhat intoxicating to teenagers. The same reward center in the brain that is involved in the sensation of pleasure and activated by thoughts of sex, money or ice cream also is turned on when teenagers see their photos getting a lot of likes on social media."
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