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Many people worry that traumatic material on social media, such as material with suicide or self-harm content, may be especially harmful for young people—and research suggests this concern is justified. During adolescence, the brain is still developing, particularly the systems involved in emotional regulation. At the same time, major hormonal changes are taking place. One of the most important hormones in this process is cortisol, which is released as part of the stress response. Changing cortisol levels during development help explain why teenagers may react more strongly to online traumatic content compared with adults.

The stress response triggered by a traumatic incident or image involves activation of the brain’s amygdala. In turn, the amygdala activates the the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland (HPA axis), which eventually leads to the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland1. This state persists until the cortex (through the prefrontal cortical structures) downwardly regulates (puts the brakes on) the amygdala, and stops the HPA cascade1.

In the early stages of the response, the cortisol release actually helps the brain’s thinking and emotion centres to communicate with each other2,3. If the stressor is mild, or doesn’t last long, cortisol attaches to special receptors in the prefrontal cortex2 –the part of the brain that helps us to think clearly and stay in control. This process strengthens the prefrontal cortex’s ability to calm the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional reactions like fear2. As a result, the stress response slows down, emotional reactions become more regulated, and we feel less overwhelmed.

When the stressor is intense, or lasts a long time, the body produces higher levels of cortisol. Too much cortisol can reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex3-5. It also weakens the signals that normally help the prefrontal cortex to communicate with the limbic system3-5. When this communication breaks down, the amygdala becomes more active and less regulated by the prefrontal cortex. As a........

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