Intersubject correlation analysis reveals the plasticity of cerebral functional connectivity in the long-term use of social media.

ABSTRACT: Owing to the limitations of cross-sectional studies, it is unclear whether social media induce brain changes, or if individuals with certain biological traits are more likely to use social media. Functional connectivity (FC) can reflect cerebral functional plasticity, and if social media can influence cerebral FC, then the FC of light social media users should be more similar to that of heavy users after they "heavily" used social media for a long period. We combined longitudinal study design and intersubject correlation (ISC) analysis to investigate this similarity. Thirty-five heavy and 21 light social media users underwent cognitive tests and functional MRIs. The 21 light social media users underwent another functional MRI scan after completing an additional four-week social media task.

SUBMITTER: Hu B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8996346 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature