5 Signs You’re Addicted to Social Media and How to Fight It
By Movieguide® Contributor
As studies about the harm of social media continue to emerge, Hackensack Meridian Health is sharing how to recognize signs of addiction.
“Also known as problematic social media use, social media addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by the excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms. While it may seem harmless to spend hours scrolling through Facebook or TikTok, studies show it can harm a person’s mental health over time,” Hackensack Meridian Health said on Tuesday.
The organization says these are common signs of addiction:
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Preoccupation with social media: Constantly thinking about or planning the next time you can check social media
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Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to access social media
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Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing social media over work, school, or personal responsibilities
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Impact on relationships: Spending more time on social media than with friends or family, or experiencing conflict due to social media use
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Loss of interest: Losing interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable in favor of spending time on social media
The brain responds similarly to social media use as it does to substance abuse addiction.
“When we receive likes, comments, or messages on social media, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This dopamine hit creates a feeling of satisfaction, encouraging us to find more engagement on social media to keep experiencing the same pleasure,” Hackensack Meridian Health said.
Addiction Center noted that the reward parts of the brain show the most activity when one talks about themselves.
“In the non-virtual world, it’s estimated that people talk about themselves around 30 to 40% of the time; however, social media is all about showing off one’s life and accomplishments—so people talk about themselves a staggering 80% of the time,” Addiction Center reported. “When a person posts a picture they may receive positive social feedback, which stimulates the brain to release dopamine, rewarding that behavior and perpetuating the social media habit.”
David Greenfield, psychologist and founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction in West Hartford, Conn., believes the randomness of the reward that users get through social media is the same as slot machine addiction.
“As with a slot machine, users are beckoned with lights and sounds but, even more powerful, information and reward tailored to a user’s interests and tastes,” The NY Times said.
“Because these platforms were designed to be used effortlessly, they end up being easy places to turn when you’re not feeling well mentally,” said psychiatrist Justin Kei, M.D.
Studies have found that social media encourages feelings of isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.
“When you’re constantly comparing yourself to curated online personas, you can develop unrealistic standards and start to feel inadequate. The constant barrage of information and notifications can also raise your stress levels and make it challenging to concentrate,” reported Hackensack Meridian Health.
“There’s a lot of misinformation and distorted imagery on social media that make people feel worse,” explained Dr. Kei. “Seeing only the good on social media can cause people to feel bad about themselves.”
Dr. Kei advises those under social media’s influence to seek professional help or spend time away from smart devices each day.
“Do things that are good for your mental health, like exercising, getting outside for some sunlight and fresh air, and engaging with people in person,” said Dr. Kei. “Before you ever open a social media app or website, make sure you understand why you’re using it. Be intentional with why you’re using it so you can use it in healthy ways.”
Movieguide® reported how social media addiction steals childhoods:
As social media addiction continues to damage children’s brain chemistry, experts and lawmakers are taking steps to remedy its effects on them and their futures.
“The future addictive potential is super high when you’re on a dopamine-producing activity that is chronic,” said Melanie Hempe of Screen Strong, adding, “We’re kind of stealing their childhood.”
…“They are not able to function in the real world. They’re not able to have social skills; they’re not making eye contact,” Hempe explained. “When we are young, we have to learn how to do that. We have to learn how to read body language and facial expressions and tone.” These things cannot be learned online.
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