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Social media addiction has become the harsh reality of the 21st century, and it can only be handled better by knowing its causes, types, and effective measures.
The first question which might pop into your mind is, why are people so obsessed with social media platforms? It can have a relaxing effect on our brain, making it crave more. After logging into any such apps, dopamine is significantly spiked in your brain.
These neurotransmitters are linked with the pleasure principle. Thus, the brain automatically identifies social media usage as a rewarding activity, and the sole reason behind such classification is experiencing more dopamine.
Such a reaction is exaggerated after a person gains optimistic feedback from others. Although these optimistic feelings are temporary, the brain takes the lead here. This type of reinforcement to the brain is one of many harmful addictions.
As soon as this dopamine wears off, individuals tend to return to their source. Social media is targeted, in this case, to want more of it. In many instances, these platforms can be a welcoming distraction for isolated people.
More engagement in such activity will engage you to curb loneliness. However, the effect may not always be positive in this scenario.
It may be hard to believe, but over 210 million people around the globe face internet and social media addictions, and such estimates are likely to grow over time.
Social media addiction has not spared a single entity, whether it is a young generation or an old one. People often face a sudden urge to refresh their social media pages and repeat such behavior. Do you generally feel anxious in the absence of social media or the internet otherwise?
The chances are of you suffering from social media addiction, and however, it can be avoided with a determined mindset.
According to various sources, the usage of social media is associated with mental health. Such terms can be insecurity, jealousy, low self-esteem, and social isolation. Besides this, the internet is becoming prevalent for a large number of people.
Almost everyone has become familiar with technological innovation, and thus exposure is increasing by every day. Even influencers are highly responsible for people’s maladaptive behavior.
They end up morphing a luxurious lifestyle making it feel wanted by everyone. It can have heavy repercussions by ruining the mental image. Some signs include:
- The belief of terming someone as popular due to their number of followers or likes.
- Noticing pictures of friends whom you considered close but were not invited by them.
- Seeing posts of people who are pretending to be happy on social media platforms. It can lead to heavy comparison with adversities of your life.
Social media addiction is not a single index phenomenon and exists in multiple forms. Let us have a look at them.
- Cyber Relationship Addiction
This type is generally involved with searching and maintaining relationships online. Doing so leads to the neglect of real-life social circles. Thus, such people forget their family and friends in the process.
They are more concerned about online relationships formed on various social networking sites. Its effect can be so deep-rooted that a person is left with limited social skills. Unrealistic expectations are also clubbed with existing issues making it more difficult than ever.
As a result, individuals become comfortable with only cyber relationships and rely on them.
- Catfishing Identity
People generally adopt a modern phenomenon like catfish. They want to conceal their reality through a fake personality. For instance, people generally hide their imperfections to give the impression of a social media-fit person.
Such steps can take a heavy toll on their mental health, making it hard to undo. Counseling or therapy can be highly effective in making such behavioral changes.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviour
“Why am I not getting enough likes on this post? What is wrong with my online reach? How did she gain so many followers?” These questions generally pop into the minds of those suffering from social media addiction.
Thus, they become conscious about every little thing on such online platforms. Such a type of worry is indeed toxic in the long run.
Allow me to share top ways to curb or eliminate social media addiction from your lives.
- Keep the notifications off
There is no denying that notifications make it harder to avoid social media. A perfect solution to this issue would be to turn them off. Imagine you are studying, and your phone suddenly lights up with a message.
You cannot resist it and unlock the device to find the tweets of individuals. Thus, landing on such a platform takes place, which can extend for a long time. It is not only unhealthy but also causes anxiety, especially after posting something.
It is highly recommended to keep such things away and not get trapped between them for no reason.
- Do not get deceived by social media appearance
People generally overthink and over plan before posting anything on social media platforms. All thanks to the unrealistic standards set by our society. Such expectations can ruin anybody’s mental health and cause more stress.
Thus, do not let cyber addiction overpower your brain. Any of these platforms are just a small part of your life.
- Choose analog alternatives
It is high time that people should start connecting with themselves. Such a target can be achieved best by discovering new pursuits or falling in love with your hobbies, and do it by scheduling your time properly and placing emphasis on work tasks.
Arts and crafts, reading, and exercising are some of the non-screen-based activities. Cherish real hobbies and opt for social media detox.
Conclusion
Social media is not a villain here and can come in pretty handy in gaining knowledge or boosting one’s career growth. Students at Arya College Main Campus are taught ways to reduce social media addiction.
Instead, they find productive techniques which can further assist in their engineering career. Be sure to try the possible measures!
