Social Media and Brain Chemistry: What this means for Teachers

Some scientific studies have found that using Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook releases the brain compound oxytocin, "the cuddle chemical" which makes humans trusting, generous and empathetic towards others. It is the essential chemical for human interaction and feelings of love. Since these social interactions produced the same release of oxytocin as face-to-face interactions, it could be said that we as humans interpret online interaction the same as in person communication.

Oxytocin has also been found in helping the body cope the loss of body vessels. It helps the brain to produce new and healthy blood vessels far more quickly. So there is something to be said about love being good for your heart...

If our students are literally "in love" with social media due to these neurological reasons, then we should harness that and develop activities which allow them to foster new relationships online as well as in the classroom. Producing more of the chemical oxytocin allows people to build deeper relationships and be more open towards one another. Understanding these neurological bases for human interactions helps us as teachers see the bigger picture on why and how we need to start using technology effectively.

Further Reading:

Relationship between Students' Emotional Intelligence, Social Bond and Interactions in Online Learning

Sources:
New Role for 'Hormone of Love' Oxytocin in Brain: Helps Direct Development of Brain-Body Interface

Social Networking – “It’s Almost Like Being In Love”