Addicted to Social Media

Ask a Therapist Mental Health Conditions
1

Hey everyone :slight_smile:

Social media addiction is a growing concern in our digitally connected world. It’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms to address this issue effectively.

What is Social Media Addiction? Social media addiction, also known as Social Media Use Disorder, refers to the compulsive and excessive use of social networking platforms that leads to negative consequences in one’s life. It’s characterized by an inability to control social media use, preoccupation with social media, and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut down.

Signs and Symptoms:

  1. Excessive Usage: Spending an inordinate amount of time on social media, often at the expense of other important activities.
  2. Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or family responsibilities due to social media use.
  3. Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to access social media.
  4. Loss of Interest: Losing interest in other hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable.
  5. Neglecting Real-Life Relationships: Prioritizing online relationships over real-life connections.
  6. Frequent Checking: Constantly checking for notifications and updates, even during inappropriate times.
  7. Hiding Usage: Trying to conceal or downplay the extent of social media usage from others.
  8. Impact on Mental Health: Experiencing negative emotions, such as low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, as a result of social media interactions.

Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts:

  1. Have you or someone you know experienced signs of social media addiction? How did you or they address it?
  2. What strategies have you found helpful in maintaining a healthy balance between social media use and other aspects of life?

Let me know what you think or what are some of your experiences! Your sharing may inspire or teach some of us valuable insights! Looking forward to reading your response!

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Hi @cottonsoul ,

Mano here,
1.Applied to myself and my household. My mom however spend most of the time on Youtube to watch her shows and does realize it but doesnt neglect any household responsibility. As for myself, i work as a midnight watchmen so during which i need to stimulate my brain to stay awake.

  1. For me , just the other day i took a 6 hour walk around parts of my neighbourhood that i never explored and discovered new paths and an ActiveSG gym. Cause i read a post somewhere here that recommended me to do so and i think it was one of your post- Thanks again.

I guess the reality of the current era is that we live in the digital world.
I only know of few people that choose to disconnect from the matrix and i rarely hear anything about them -perhaps they are happier.

In anycase,social media or the internet are tools and i know that AI is getting smarter to trigger our dopamine stimuli to keep coming back to it. However, like all things in life, - Moderation and Balance is Key. Too much of anything is not good for the long run.

Have an Awesome Week everyone !!
Yours,
Mano Esperanza.

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