Social media is a computer-based technology that makes it easier to share information, ideas, and thoughts by creating online communities and networks. Globally, there are more than 4.59 billion users of social media. Social media use can lead to physical and psychological addiction because it triggers the brain’s reward system to release the “feel-good” chemical dopamine. People utlizing social media to earn money. For example, you can use Youtubestorm to get more traffic. But using too much social media is risky for our health.
A neurotransmitter is a substance that acts as a messenger between neurons and is involved in the neurological and physiological functions of dopamine. In contrast to drug use disorders, social media addiction is not considered a real addiction. The question is, though, why social media is so addictive? We have tried to answer the question throughout the article so that you can give up the practice of using social media.
Why is social media addictive?
There are several underlying reasons for social media addiction. The following is a list of the typical reasons for social media addiction:
- Social anxiety
A person may turn to social media, where connections are created more easily when they are unable to create and maintain relationships in real life. A person who struggles with social anxiety might prefer to spend time online because it doesn’t require them to connect with others in real life.
- Stress and self-esteem
Social media enables people to present life in a selective manner by choosing only the best moments. It could create the false impression that people must keep up with and work more to lead more fulfilling lives. Placing unnecessary pressure on oneself to perform better in life, can lead to stress and poor self-esteem in an individual.
- Addictiveness
The uniqueness that various social media platforms provide can be mainly blamed for the addictive potential of social media. Social networking platforms always come up with new strategies to get users back to their sites. Individuals are more susceptible to compulsive overconsumption of online media as a result.
What are the chances that someone may become addicted to social media?
Let’s face it, most of us use social media regularly. If our habits don’t hurt us or others, they aren’t harmful. Few of us are actually dependent on social media. For example you can learn so many things like Thomas Waston Phycis history.
Ask the following six questions to see if someone is at risk of becoming addicted to social media:
- Do they frequently imagine using social media or make plans to do so?
- Do they frequently make unsuccessful attempts to lessen their use of social media?
- Do people utilize social media to put their personal issues behind them?
- Do they use social media in such a way that it has harmed their employment or their studies?
- Do they have an increasing desire to use social media?
- If they aren’t able to utilize social media, do they get restless or worried?
If you answered “yes” to more than three of them, you might have a social media addiction.
Signs and symptoms of social media addiction
The following are warning signs and symptoms of possible social media addiction:
- Being active on social media for a long period.
- Less time engaging in hobbies, other pursuits, or socializing in order to use social media
- When not accessing social media, you frequently think about it.
- Using social media to the point where it has a detrimental impact on your relationships, career, and education
- Coping with unpleasant feelings by using social media
- Having unpleasant emotions, such as agitation and anxiety, when you are unable to access social media
What portion of this time is useful to you? Does using social media get in the way of other vital tasks? And does it have a bad effect on your mental health? You can decide if you use social media excessively by responding to these questions.
Conclusion
Hope you got some idea about why social media is so addictive. Although there is no official clinical diagnosis for social media addiction, many people have unhealthful relationships with it. You may have trouble limiting your usage of social media and spend less time engaging in other things if you have a social media addiction. There are therapy alternatives available for social media addiction, as well as steps you may take to have a better relationship with it.