What is Social Media addiction?
When a person is addicted to drugs or substance the person 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, there is a release of dopamine when social media is used which gives them pleasure. They feel they have to keep posting on the media and replying to the post. They are worried about what others think of them online. The more important daily activities like studies, work at home are neglected because social media takes preference. In some cases food and daily hygiene are neglected.
Common Social Media platforms among teens
The most common social media platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Vine, Snapchat, and video games. The access to most of them are free. All you need is a gadget like a smart phone and internet connection. The social media platforms spend a lot on advertisements which make it attractive to the teens.
Symptoms of Social Media addiction
The symptoms of social media addiction are 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. Do not have friends and not interested in interacting with others. Does not take much interest in studies. In short, social media takes preference over every other thing. Due to social media addiction there could be 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 is that the teen has a timetable for the day which can include a short time on gadgets. The parents must have the passwords of the gadgets. Certain sites can be blocked by the parents. Parents should have control and use of the gadgets the children are using.
