Social Media Addiction

Introduction:

Viewing and browsing social media has become an increasingly popular activity over the past decade. While social media use is not a problem for most people, there is a small percentage of users who become addicted to social networking sites and engage in excessive or compulsive consumption. Social media addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by over-preoccupation with social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to connect to or use social media, and to devote so much time and effort to social media that they harm other important areas of life.

Addictive social media use is similar to any other substance use disorder and may involve mood swings (For example, social media engagement leads to favorable changes in emotional states), tolerance (i.e., increase in social media use over time), withdrawal symptoms (i.e., uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms when social media use is reduced or stopped), conflict (i.e., uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms when social media use is restricted or discontinued), conflict (i.e. interpersonal problems due to social media use).

Current Scenario:

Teens and adults are known to check their phones more than 150 times a day, and it's well documented that our excessive access to social media and our obsession with how we look online has significant impacts on teens, including strong respect and feelings of anxiety.

Social media not only contributes to the deterioration of many adolescents' mental health, but also becomes an easy outlet for online aggression and cyberbullying, further affecting the child emotionally.

Online media addiction can make it difficult for a child to interact with others at a normal level, as well as impact academic performance and future prospects.

The level of dependency on social media can also negatively impact existing relationships, resulting in many teenagers struggling to stay in touch with their partner or friends due to constant distractions and lack of attention.\

Acknowledgement of Addiction:

A psychologist can help you figure out if you're really addicted to social media or if you really enjoy using it. However, there are some key differences between being addicted to social media and having a habit you enjoy.

1. Negative effects on work or studies due to excessive use of social media (e.g. using apps at work or instead of studying)

2. increased usage during other activities such as spending time with friends and family or eating out 

3. Restlessness and irritability when not using social media

4. Anger when social media use is restricted

5. Think about social media every time you're not using it, to the point that you turn to it when you get the chance.

Tips to achieve a healthier social media balance:

Whether you're addicted to social media or using apps longer than necessary, the good news is that there are ways to reduce your overall usage.

1. Remove social apps from your smartphone. While you can still access them from your PC, removing them from your phone can reduce the overall time you spend on social media.

2. Turn off your personal phone during work, school, meals and leisure activities. You can also adjust each social app's settings to disable specific notifications. Spend some time on social media every day. 

3. Set a timer to be in charge.

4. Find a new non-tech hobby. Examples are sports, art, cooking classes, etc.

5. Whenever possible, try to meet with your friends and family in person.

It's also important to take regular breaks from social media to help you find your true ground.

Depending on your needs, the break can last 1 day per week, a whole month or a whole season. Let your social media account be in control of that decision.

Social media is increasingly omnipresent these days, but that doesn't mean you'll automatically become addicted to it. By taking frequent breaks and setting clear boundaries for you and your kids, you can prevent excessive social media addiction before it becomes harmful. If you find yourself addicted to social media, there are treatments that will improve your overall well-being. Don't hesitate to seek help from a psychologist for this type of addiction.