Hooked To Social Media?

While social media is literally designed to be addictive, a recent study reveals that teens who use social media more than three hours per day may be at heightened risk for mental health problems. There is no denying that social media has captivated the minds and attention of a sizeable population in the world. This has become even more pronounced during the pandemic when the social lives became mostly digital.

No wonder, I tried my best but soon realised how pathetically dependent I am on my device. Three days was the most I could manage - and one of the main reasons was social media. With social media addiction on rise like never before, I take a look at its intensity, signs, potential victims and the possible ways to overcome the menace.

The uncomfortable truth is - People scroll on social media as soon as they wake up; as soon as they feel bored or frustrated at work; as soon as they have 30 seconds of downtime. There are many who do it while watching a film on Netflix, mid-conversation with friends and, yes, even on the loo.

According to mental health experts, gross use of social media is a type of behavioural addiction - the umbrella term under which gambling, eating disorders, gaming, porn, shopping and sex addictions also fall.

Such addiction could express itself in two main ways: either the person becomes addicted to creating content in order to get 'likes'; or they use social media as a form of escapism from their real life, incessantly scrolling and living vicariously through the online world of others, they say.

Sleeping habits are frequently disturbed by overuse of social media. Another sign is when people spend the time before bed relentlessly scrolling and refreshing rather than swapping out screens for more analogue pursuits, such as reading. Not everyone will have a problem, though; the experts are quick to point out that social media can be a positive tool for those who have a healthy attitude towards it. So how can you tell if your penchant for scrolling has tipped over from harmless pastime to harmful addiction?

Experts advise people to think about their behaviour when they're not on social media; are they happy to take a break from it? Or do they have thoughts and impulses to get back online as soon as possible? Are they able to socialise in real life instead of simply online? Are they able to continue with their everyday life, i.e. going to work, seeing family/friends, or do they now spend their time on social media instead? Do they experience any physical withdrawal to being online - like nausea, headaches, sweating?

If people can't ever put their smartphone away and it's always in their hand - when they go to the toilet, go to dinner, go to bed, when they're travelling - that's also a sign of addiction to watch out for, warns experts. While social media is literally designed to be addictive, a recent study reveals that teens who use social media more than three hours per day may be at heightened risk for mental health problems

Why do we get addicted to social media? That's because social media is quite literally designed to be addictive, both physically and psychologically. According to psychologists, social validation lights up the same brain reward pathway as drugs and alcohol. One study by Harvard University made this tangible connection, finding that self-disclosure on social networking sites lit up the same part of the brain that ignites when taking an addictive substance. "Likes' and 'follows" garner a “feel good” hormone dopamine, and dopamine creates a positive association with whatever behaviours prompted its release, training a person to repeat them, it explained.

Though given the name 'social’ media, these digital platforms often encourage people to become more insular, and less able to communicate and connect with people in the real world. Social skills are actually being eroded, not enhanced, by the apps, believe experts.

Generation Z are possibly more in touch with their own weakness in this area than the rest of the population. Three in five in developed nations claim they're addicted to social media, according to a survey of 2,000 young people conducted by an education company. One in seven said they had even gone as far as seeking professional help to tackle their addiction, it was revealed.

Adolescence is the second biggest period of brain development and growth and, because of that, social media can have a big impact on the adolescent brain.

A recent study revealed that teens who use social media more than three hours per day may be at heightened risk for mental health problems. Since the pandemic, there has been an uptick in depression and anxiety among teens, specifically low self- esteem, disordered eating, body image issues and suicidal thoughts.

There are some straighttorward measures that can be put in place to limit social media use. A digital detox, where people significantly reduce the amount of time spent using electronic devices, could be a wise precaution.

This can include simple steps, such as turning off sound notifications and only checking social media sites once an hour. Besides, one can create boundaries where certain arcas of life are smartphone-free such as the bedroom and the toilet - is a good start, as is being strict about only doing one screen at a time, experts suggest.

Besides, it is recommended to take intentional breaks, starting with an hour and building up, using digital tools that physically limit the time people can spend on apps. One can also try to do something where he or she can't have a phone in hand: dance, dive, climb.