We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your Facebook feed and seeing something that catches your eye. You click on it, and before you know it, 30 minutes have gone by, and you’ve barely moved from your spot. You even do anything, even bad things, to get more followers on tiktok. Does it sound familiar? If so, then you may be addicted to social media. While there are benefits to using social media, there are also some risks associated with being too attached to it. In this blog post, we will pinpoint the red flags of addiction and how to prevent yourself from getting addicted in the first place.
Getting Withdrawal When Not Being Able to Access Social Media
According to the American Psychological Association, one of the significant signs that you’re addicted to social media is if you experience physical or emotional withdrawal when you can’t access it.
Do you feel anxious or frustrated when your phone battery dies, and you can’t log onto your account? This could signify that you’ve become too dependent on social media to feel connected to the world. Many times, addiction to social media has been linked to a decrease in overall mental health, such as stress and depression.
Engaging in Risky Behavior Just to Get Attention
Another sign of addiction is engaging in risky behaviors to get online attention. Do you take dangerous selfies or post information about yourself that could put you at risk for identity theft? Do you do extreme, hazardous things so you can get more followers? If so, you may be addicted to social media, and this could put you in dangerous situations both online and off. Furthermore, it could lead to a decrease in self-esteem as well as an increase in anxiety and depression.
Constantly Comparing Others Needlessly
Do you ever feel like you have to continually one-up everyone else on social media? This is another sign of addiction, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Focusing too much on comparing ourselves with others online can lead to feelings of envy and inadequacy that can affect our mental health. Furthermore, it can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Changing Habits and Opinions to Fit in With Social Media
Do you ever find yourself changing your habits and opinions just to fit in with the people on social media? When we become too dependent on the validation of others online, it can lead to a decrease in self-confidence and a higher risk for anxiety and depression. Not only that, but it can also lead to unhealthy and potentially dangerous behaviors.
Vicarious Life
With all the glamour and perfect lives portrayed on social media, it can be very easy to fall into the trap of vicarious living. Do you find yourself constantly trying to emulate the lifestyles of those on social media? If so, you need to be more aware of the dangers. This could simply put a strain on your wallet, or worse, it could lead to an increase in negative thoughts and feelings.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent getting addicted to social media. The key is to be more mindful of how you use it and create boundaries that keep you from overusing the platforms. Limit your time online and focus on activities that can help you relax and recharge. Make sure you are engaging in activities away from the screen and find ways to be productive without constantly going back to your phone or laptop. Additionally, focus on developing positive relationships offline, so you don’t rely too much on social media for validation and connection.
