Inside the teen brain: How social media shapes development with Dr Samantha Marsh

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Content Warning: This episode discusses topics including suicide, mental health, eating disorders, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help — you are not alone.

In this episode, we dig into what’s actually happening inside the developing teen brain when young people scroll, swipe, tap and refresh. Dr Samantha Marsh joins us to break down the neuroscience behind social media use and why adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the design of these platforms.

We explore how dopamine pathways are shaped during adolescence, what constant digital stimulation means for emotional regulation and attention, and what’s not developing when so much of a young person’s social world happens online.

This conversation offers clarity for parents, educators and caregivers trying to navigate an overwhelming digital landscape. Dr Marsh cuts through the noise with science, compassion, and a clear call to action: understanding the brain is key to supporting our young people

This is an important, eye-opening conversation about the very real risks of social media, and the changes we can all make to support one young mind at a time.

New Zealand Helplines:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: [phone]
• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
• The Lowdown: Free text 5626 or visit thelowdown.co.nz
• EDANZ (Eating Disorders Association NZ): Visit ed.org.nz for resources and support
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111

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To find out more about Dr Samantha Marsh, click here.

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