WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION?
Whether you use social media to connect with
friends and loved ones, watch videos, or simply “kill
time,” the popularity of this pastime has increased
significantly over the last decade. This is especially
the case in children and teenagers, as well as
young to middle-aged adults.
So, how does a seemingly harmless hobby turn
into an “addiction”?
Like other types of behavioral addictions, using
social media can influence your brain in harmful
ways. Moreover, you may use social media
compulsively and excessively. You can also
become so accustomed to scrolling through posts,
images, and videos that it interferes with other
areas of your life.
Not everyone who uses social media will develop
an addiction. Since this activity is becoming more
accessible to more people, though, more people
may develop an addiction to social media at some
point in their lives.
How do you know if you have social media
addiction?
A mental health professional can help you
determine whether you truly have social media
addiction or just really enjoy using it a lot. But there
are a few key differences between social media
addiction and a habit that you enjoy. These include:
• negative effects to your job or schoolwork due
to the overuse of social media.
• increased use during other activities, such as
hanging out with friends and family, or while
eating.
• increased reliance on social media as a way to
cope with problems.
• restlessness and irritability whenever you’re not
using social media.
• anger whenever social media usage is reduced.
How can you decrease social media use and
prevent its addiction?
Consider the following tips to help you achieve a
healthier balance with social media:
• Turn off your personal phone during work, as
well as during school, meals, and recreational
activities. You can also adjust the setting on
each social media app so you can turn off
certain notifications.
• Set aside a certain amount of time dedicated to
social media per day. Turn on a timer to help
keep you accountable.
• Take up a new hobby that’s not technologyrelated. Examples include sports, art, cooking
classes, and more.
Let yourself be in control of your life — not your
social media account.
Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/socialmedia-addiction#decreasing-use. Access: 30 April 2022.
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form (set aside, turn off, take up), in the third
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