Are You Addicted to Social Media?

Social media users gain a sense of connection and belonging. Today it is common to communicate and connect with others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Social media users gain a sense of connection and belonging. Today it is common to communicate and connect with others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Is this casual social media networking getting out of hand? Can the use of these sites be considered an addiction? In a recent paper written by Dr. Daria J. Kuss and Mark D. Griffiths, they reviewed the latest research on social media addiction.  The research indicated that people who suffer from the addictive psychological problems which include anxietydepressionAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are only a minority. Because social media is accessible using smartphones, the usage tends to be habitual and stems from what is commonly known as FOMO or the fear of missing out.

So, is there good news? Yes, the good news is, based on this research, very few people are truly addicted to social media. Many people use social media out of habit which can ultimately have a problematic effect in other areas of their lives. The habitual behaviors may affect relationships like checking social media while eating out with friends or while watching a movie at the theater. Others may snub social contact with their loved ones or friends, preferring to cruise social media on their smartphone instead.

Answer these six questions to see if you are at risk of developing an addiction to social media:

  • Do you think about or plan to use social media a lot?
  • Do you have the urge to use social media more often?
  • Do you use social media as an escape for your own personal problems?
  • Do you try to reduce your social media use without success?
  • Are you restless or anxious if you can’t use social media?
  • Does your social media use negatively impact your job or studies?

If the answer is “yes” to all six of these questions, then you may be in the minority and have or be developing an addiction to social media. An addiction can be confirmed only through a diagnosis from a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist.

As most of who may answer “yes” to a few of these questions,  you are most likely a habitual social media user and you should engage in digital detox strategies that reduce the time spent on social media. The detox strategies may include things like turning off sound notifications and reducing the number of times you allow yourself to check social media sites. Other strategies might include self-imposed non-screen time during meals and leaving your phone in a different room, so you don’t check social media before bedtime and when you wake up.

For the small number of individuals that are genuinely addicted to social media, treatment is warranted with the treatment goal being ‘controlled’ use rather than total abstinence. Although there are few studies, the best treatment for social media addictions is cognitive behavioral therapy, (CBT) a form of psychotherapy (talk therapy) that treats problems by modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts.

The types of programs we offer include:

Integrated Addiction Model

Dual diagnosis treatment

Family Intensive program

Short-term residential treatment

Group Therapies

Trauma

Recovery

Substance Use Disorder

Co-Occurring Disorders

If you’re seeking treatment for a loved one, our family program recognizes that addiction doesn’t only affect the person struggling with substance abuse. It also affects those around him or her. Our Texas rehab center has caring and compassionate staff members who will work with you in order to encourage and heal. We also want to encourage and heal the family, from the inside out.

Call 844.443.2577 today and turn your life around.

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *