Are We Training Distraction? How Social Media Is Weakening Cognitive Skills in Teens with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#247)

This week, Melanie sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss new research showing how social media use in adolescence may be changing the way our kids think.

Most parents know that excessive screen time can impact mood and sleep, but Dr. Stacey explains how it goes much deeper — affecting attention, memory, and even language development. Together, they explore what’s happening inside the adolescent brain, why even “moderate” social media use can interfere with learning, and what parents can do to protect cognitive growth during these crucial years.

You’ll also hear the story of one teen whose focus and motivation began to unravel with increased online use — and how simple changes helped restore his ability to think clearly and engage again in real life.

Key Takeaways:

• How social media overstimulates the brain’s reward system
• Why cognitive performance may decline even with moderate use
• The “opportunity cost” of screen time — what our kids lose when they scroll
• Practical steps for helping teens build stronger focus and healthier habits

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s smartphone is interfering with their ability to think, focus, and learn, this episode is for you.

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Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin