Social Media Addiction?

Many people spend a significant amount of time each day checking social media, scrolling, posting, commenting, checking stats ect.

This is still a relatively new phenomenon, and we are beginning to understand more about why we behave in certain ways when it comes to using social media, and the ways in which we (as individuals and as society) are impacted, including dependency/addiction.

A 2019 survey found that 40% users aged 18 to 22 years sampled, reported "feeling addicted" to social media.

Using social media as a coping mechanism to relieve stress, boredom, loneliness or depression creates problems as users tend to isolate themselves

If an individual excessively or compulsively uses social media as a means to improve their mood, that may suggest dependency. The cost of any behaviour that continues despite persistently negative consequences to functioning is the cornerstone of addiction.

Using social media can lead to addiction by the way it triggers the brain’s reward system to release dopamine, our “feel-good” neurotransmitter....the same chemical our brain releases when we eat delicious food, have sex, or gamble.

When we receive a notification, the brain receives/sends dopamine along reward pathways, which gives some reward "points" immediately and also reinforces the need to satisfy the feeling next time, and teaches our brain that checking for notifications social media is an easy way to feed the craving (for dopamine)

This cycle of motivation- reward - reinforcement is a loop that gets users unknowingly craving and seeking rewards more often, and needing higher levels as time goes on, as the same stimulation no longer has the same level of satisfaction.

Chasing the constant reward system can lead to other issues, such as neglecting real-life relationships, responsibilities, and physical health needs. Some may experience feelings of guilt about their behaviour... and to escape that undesirable/unpleasant feeling, turn to social media once again for a distraction or for relief.

Repeating this cyclical pattern of relieving undesirable mood/feelings with social media use, increases dependency on social media

Please check back back soon, as I will be sharing some suggestions for how to break the cycle, find a balance of enjoying social media without creating dependence, and having a variety of other activities that provide us with healthy levels of dopamine.

If you would like more information on this topic, please check out this resource below

https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/