Are You Hooked to Social Media?

The social media platforms are needed in today’s tech world. It is not just a source of entertainment, but a source for education and employment as well. People use these platforms to prosper in their business, create awareness, inspire others, educate masses, and above all connect with the world. Despite many positive benefits of these websites, it has started harming society from a mental health perspective.

Social Media Addiction is the overuse of social media platforms such that it leads to impairment in various life activities for a long duration of time. Checking and scrolling through social media has become an increasingly popular activity over the last few years. It is like a psychological or behavioral dependence of an individual on these social media platforms, though it is not yet classified as a psychological disorder by DSM-5. The basic symptoms characterized by being concerned about social media all the time and driven by uncontrollable use of social media. People devote much of their time and effort to social media such that it impairs other important life areas. According to reports, social media addictions affect 210 million people worldwide, out of 3.1 billion social media users. With the alarming rise in these numbers, there is an immediate need to resolve this issue.

Why is it so?

Let’s try to analyze the cause of such behavior. In this virtual world, people connect with each other in many forms. People gain overnight fame, have so-called followers and this all gives them a validation they long for and boost their self-esteem. Soon, people get addicted to this fame or this fake love of the followers and the validation they don’t get out in the world. Physiologically, whenever there is a social media notification on the mobile, the brain releases a small amount of dopamine. These results in increased psychological processes. Lack of this dopamine release also affects the body. There are social reasons as well. Social media is gaining importance in the internet age. Today, much of the personal, as well as professional work, can be accessed through the mobile and laptop. People are detaching themselves from the physical world for comfort and ease. But with the use of the internet, they use it for other purposes as well. Soon, it became a necessary evil.

What are its harms?

The next question is, how does it harm? Well, several kinds of research show the various negative impacts of this addiction on our mental health. According to a recent study by Harvard University, self-disclosure on social networking sites ignites the very same parts of the brain that an addictive substance does. So, it would not be wrong to claim it like substance abuse. Researches have shown a negative correlation between social media dependence and self-esteem. A few years back, one study also found that Facebook use was linked to both less moment-to-moment happiness and less life satisfaction. But, the biggest threat is social isolation. As a person becomes more and more engaged in the virtual world, it disconnects from the real social world. Slowly, the interactions decline to lead him in a vacant sea. He loses his friends the real ones. This slow path leads towards depression and hollowness. A person soon discards the real joy of life. Adding to the pile, these social media platforms take people to compare their lives with others. This comparison results in a feeling of shame and loss of self-worth.

How to overcome it?

Well, there are simple strategies to overcome this problem. Initially, restrict your time on these platforms. Turn the notifications off. Discipline is the best way to overcome this. When you have spare time, spend it on some other hobby, sports, music, dance or books. Try to meet people friends and family and stay connected with them. Whenever around people, avoid the use of mobiles to the maximum. At last, start meditation to bring peace and discipline.

Utkarsh Shukla Member since June 14, 2020

Loading + Follow Following

Contributor