Social Media
What neurotransmitter is most associated with social media notifications and reward?
Dopamine.
Why is today's cannabis more risky than 30 years ago?
Higher potency, risk of lacing.
What is the #1 distraction for teen drivers?
Cell phones
At about what age does the brain fully develop?
25 years old
What is dopamine’s primary role in the brain?
A neurotransmitter that specializes in motivation and reward signaling
Can social media use be addictive?
Yes!
Why is combining marijuana with driving dangerous even if you feel “alert”?
Slower reaction time, impaired judgment, reduced attention
What does “DUI” stand for?
Driving Under the Influence
Which part of the brain is most responsible for impulse control while driving?
Prefrontal Cortex
What is serotonin’s primary role in the brain?
Regulates mood, emotion, sleep, appetite, and impulse control
How can constant social media notifications affect attention span and focus?
Interrupts executive function, reduces sustained attention, and increases cognitive load.
Why does early marijuana use increase the likelihood of addiction?
Adolescent brains are more plastic and sensitive to reward pathways (dopamine).
How does dopamine influence risky driving decisions in teens?
Increases sensitivity to reward and excitement.
Which brain system develops faster in adolescence: the reward system or the control system?
Reward system (limbic system)
True or False: Dopamine only makes people feel “happy.”
False – it signals motivation and reward, not just pleasure
How does heavy social media use affect emotional regulation?
Reduces ability to manage frustration or stress
Which part of the brain is most affected by THC in teens?
Prefrontal cortex (decision-making, impulse control) and hippocampus (memory)
Why might speeding feel “exciting” rather than dangerous to teen drivers?
Dopamine release reinforces feelings of excitement and thrill
What is brain plasticity, and why is it important during adolescence?
Brain plasticity is the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and form new neural connections in response to experiences.
Why does dopamine make risky behaviors feel more rewarding during adolescence?
Increased sensitivity of the reward system
Why are teens more likely to change their behavior after peer feedback than adults?
Their reward system (dopamine pathways) is highly sensitive to social approval, while prefrontal control is still developing.
What does THC stand for?
Tetrahydrocannabinol
This is the common legal limit where a breathalyzer result at or above this level means you’re legally impaired.
0.08% BAC
What is the main function of the hippocampus in adolescence?
Memory formation and learning
How does serotonin influence impulse control in teens?
Low or imbalanced serotonin can reduce inhibitory control, making risk-taking more likely