Social media doesn’t just affect your mood — it rewires your dopamine.

In this sharp and relatable episode, Emily breaks down how comparison, likes, and online validation hijack your reward system. You’ll learn why scrolling feels addictive, why external approval hits so hard, and how to break the cycle before it drains your motivation. Stick around for her fiery Fix Your Chemistry rant on rewiring your validation loop, curating your mental environment, and building self-worth from the inside out.

This one hits where it stings — and where it frees you.

Sources & Notes (Episode 9)

• Sharot T., University College London (2019): Social comparison and reward-processing.

• Harvard Health Publishing (2023): Social media feedback and dopamine activation.

• Lembke A., Dopamine Nation (2021): External validation and dopamine dysregulation.

• Stanford University Department of Communication (2023): Social feedback and motivation.

• UCLA Neuroscience Lab (2020): Environment-driven reward cues.

• Johns Hopkins University (2022): Digital vs. natural dopamine response.

• Emmons R., UC Davis (2019): Gratitude and reward circuitry.