Social Media Addiction, Part 2

Social media can be an enjoyable way to connect with friends and family, but when it starts

to replace other activities or becomes a coping method we depend heavily on, it can become problematic for.

Some of the risks can include issues in our relationships & disruption to our our mental wellbeing by distorting reality, lower self-worth and creating a preoccupation with things that are not meaningful for us (and more)

Read on if you are interested in how to identify problematic social media use and some recommendations for what you can do about it.

1. With a sense of curiosity, and without judgment... ask yourself some thought provoking questions such as:

What are you using social media for?

Have you tried to to reduce your use and found it difficult?

Is it possible that using social media is having (or has had) any negative impact on your life, including relationships, school or work?

How do you feel if you are unable to access certain social media sites?

Your responses to these questions will guide your understanding of whether social media is becoming problematic for you. Another good idea, ask someone close with you, who you feel comfortable with their honesty... what their observations are about your social media use

2. Raise personal awareness and develop an understanding of issues related to social media use/overuse.

What you are doing right now! Reading, becoming better informed about how this issue is pervasive in our current culture, and what it means for society and yourself personally. Search out some other articles, engage in conversations with others about their thoughts and experiences pertaining to this issue.

3. Commit to some small changes

Turn off notifications

Notifications can reinforce the feedback loop that causes us to be checking our social media often. They are a regular reminder and distraction that there may be something happening online that could make us feel good, or that we may miss out on.

Delete social media apps from your phone

Download them on an old phone or your personal computer/tablet and use that for checking social media

Set aside a certain amount of time dedicated to social media per day. Use a timer to remind you when its time to log off

Leave your phone in the kitchen at bedtime, and commit to have a morning routine that you complete before grabbing the phone, one that includes health daily habits such as brushing teeth, doing a couple of stretches or writing in a journal

4. Enrich your life in other ways

Engage often in activities you enjoy, that are not social media or internet dependent, such as hobbies or sports, outdoor activities, or creative pursuits.

Stay connected with friends/family. Try to make in person interaction part of your regular day to day life

5. Get support

None of the above suggestions are easy, particularly without support

Talking about someone who can understand our underlying issues may help us to see how we can be susceptible to things like social media overuse (dissociating from our reality, avoiding uncomfortable feelings, escaping reality to name some). Seeing a licensed therapist can be a great starting point to increasing understanding, and unraveling some of the complex issues involved with addiction to anything, including socail media.