Scientists Are Debating Whether Social Media is Addictive

This is the reality of social media addiction — a growing concern in our always-connected world. And although not everyone has an unhealthy relationship with it, a number of people engage in heavy and compulsive use, with some developing dependency. In fact, it is estimated that over 210 million people worldwide suffer from social media addiction, with nearly a third of American adults thinking they have it. For this reason, social media use becomes an activity you want to repeat, especially as the positive feelings are only temporary. This is how positive reinforcement occurs within the brain, the same as other addictions. Not everyone who engages in social apps will develop a social media addiction, though greater accessibility for more people is also a risk factor.

Calls to numbers marked with (I) symbols will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed in our Terms and Conditions, each of which is a paid advertiser. Increasing interest in these and other behavioural “addictions” – like gaming, sex or the internet – has resulted in broadening definitions of what addiction is. Psychologists talk of excessive appetites and powerful motivational drives to engage in particular behaviours that have the power to do considerable unintended harm. While it is possible to try to Meetings Listing Online Meetings limit social media use without medical intervention, in some cases, professional help may be necessary.

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If addiction to social media is suspected, seek professional help to build healthier online behaviors. PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5-TR® library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development. Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp via phone, video, or live-chat.

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Research also suggests that there are similar neurological responses between compulsive SNS use and addiction to substances. For example, by using MRI scans and monitoring activity in the nucleus accumbens (the reward centre of the brain), researchers examined how social media use affected the brain. They found that the reward centre of the brain was often more activated after receiving positive social media feedback, such as when their peers provided ‘likes’ on Facebook posts. One of the researchers, Dal Meshi, notes that “as human beings, we evolved to care about our reputation. In addition, social media addiction can lead to neglect of personal relationships.

Step 3: Spend more time with offline friends

Others say the unease over social media is just the next round of moral panic about new technologies. Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. To prevent sleep problems, always insist phones are turned off at least one hour before bed. Childhood and the teenage years can be filled with developmental challenges and social pressures.

1. Therefore, it’s important for parents, educators, and caregivers to be aware of the role that peer pressure plays in social media addiction among teenagers.
2. But what happens when our social media use becomes excessive and begins to interfere with our daily lives?
3. One study from the University of Pittsburgh found a correlation between time spent scrolling through social media apps and negative body image feedback.
4. One of the researchers, Dal Meshi, notes that “as human beings, we evolved to care about our reputation.
5. Which is why social media often feels good while we’re doing it but horrible as soon as we stop.

Special Report: Is Social Media Misuse A Bad Habit or Harmful Addiction?

While research on social media addiction is limited, research shows that social media addiction may be considered a type of behavioral addiction that, for some, may have detrimental effects. Conversely, other studies point to the mental health benefits of social media, including social well-being, strong friendships and exposure to diverse perspectives. Although it’s true social technologies offer clear benefits – unlike smoking – many people still feel uncomfortable with how much time they spend online and often wonder if they’re addicted.

We looked at how often people manipulate posts to increase the number of likes received, use social media to boost spirits or blindly post about issues with which they did not necessarily agree. When a person engages in a pleasurable activity, the brain releases a hormone called dopamine. Social media is an online platform that allows people to communicate with one another electronically. Examples of social media websites include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. People who overuse social media may be at higher risk for using illicit drugs, or developing a harmful relationship with drugs or alcohol.

More than 500 college students with a wide range of social media habits have participated in our ongoing study. The students begin by reflecting on their current relationship with social media and then set goals for the changes they want to make. This might include spending less time mindlessly scrolling, curating their feed on an app or not sleeping with the phone in the bedroom. A 2018 University of Pennsylvania study found that reducing social media use to 30 minutes a day resulted in a significant reduction in levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems, and FOMO. But you don’t need to cut back on your social media use that drastically to improve your mental health.

Consider taking a break from social media for a day or even a week to reset your habits and priorities. During this time, focus on other activities such as spending time outdoors, reading books, or engaging in creative pursuits. The easy accessibility of social media platforms is another contributing factor to addiction. With smartphones and other mobile devices, we can access our accounts anytime and anywhere. This 24/7 access makes it difficult for individuals to disconnect and take a break from social media.