When a person is addicted to drugs or substances, they cannot be off the drug or substance for long. They feel it is a ‘need’ despite being harmful to one’s health. Similarly, social media addiction means the person cannot stay without using social media for long. They feel a ‘need’ for it. Like in the case of taking drugs, there is a release of dopamine when social media is used, which gives them pleasure. They feel they have to keep posting in the media and replying to the posts. They are worried about what others think of them online. The more important daily activities like studies and work at home are neglected because social media takes precedence. In some cases, food and daily hygiene are neglected.
Common social media platforms among teens
The most common social media platforms are Face-book, Instagram, Twitter, You Tube, Vine, Snap chat, and video games. Access to most of them is free. All you need is a gadget like a smart phone and an internet connection. The social media platforms spend a lot on advertisements, which makes them attractive to teens.
Symptoms of social media addiction
The symptoms of social media addiction include spending a lot of time on social media. Getting anxious, frustrated, or angry when not able to be on social media Not interested in any hobbies. I do not have friends and am not interested in interacting with others. Does not take much interest in studies. In short, social media takes precedence over everything else. Due to social media addiction, there could be a lack of sleep, which could lead to other problems. Anxiety and depression are a result of excessive social media exposure. There could be problems like headaches and not eating properly.
Tips to reduce the use of social media
It is important that the time spent by teens on social media be reduced. Some of the things that can be followed are that the teen has a timetable for the day, which can include a short time on gadgets. The parents must have the passwords for the gadgets. Certain sites can be blocked by parents. Parents should have control and use of the gadgets the children are using.
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