Mental Health Expert Warns of Social Media Addiction's Dangers

Marcy Johnson of Prairie View says social media can negatively impact brain development, especially in young people.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Marcy Johnson, the President and CEO of Prairie View, a local community mental health center and behavioral health clinic, warns that social media addiction can be especially harmful to children and teenagers, as their brains are still developing. Johnson says the instant gratification of social media can damage neural pathways and reduce gray matter in the parts of the brain that control impulses and emotion management.

Why it matters

As more young people spend increasing amounts of time on social media, mental health experts are concerned about the long-term impacts on brain development and emotional regulation. This issue is particularly pressing given the prevalence of social media use among youth and the potential for addiction-like behaviors.

The details

Johnson says that when children and teens try to cut down on social media use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like tantrums, verbal lashing out, and frustration. To help address this problem, the Wichita Public Library is hosting a screen-free week to encourage families to unplug and engage with the real world. The library offers dedicated play spaces, toys, and puzzles to provide tactile, technology-free activities.

  • The Wichita Public Library is hosting a screen-free week later this spring.

The players

Marcy Johnson

The President and CEO of Prairie View, a local community mental health center and behavioral health clinic.

David Garcia

The senior communications specialist for the Wichita Public Library.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever you want to label it, the implications are that it is damaging and can be harmful if it isn't regulated and moderated in a meaningful way.”

— Marcy Johnson, President and CEO of Prairie View (kwch.com)

“Once they see kind of the books, the materials, the colors, everything we have in store, it kind of opens up their eyes.”

— David Garcia, Senior Communications Specialist, Wichita Public Library (kwch.com)

What’s next

The Wichita Public Library is hosting a screen-free week later this spring to encourage families to unplug and engage with the real world.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing concerns around social media addiction, particularly among young people, and the importance of finding healthy alternatives to technology-driven activities. By providing engaging, hands-on experiences at the local library, the community is taking proactive steps to address this issue and support the mental health and development of children and teenagers.