With the rise of wifi, smartphones, and social media platforms, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. Social media networks have transformed the way we connect and communicate with others, influencing various aspects of our social interactions. It comes as no surprise that this newfound form of communication has both positive and negative effects on our mental well-being, as supported by scientific research.
It’s Highly Addictive
Research has revealed that social media addiction can have significant psychological effects. Studies have shown that individuals who are unable to access social media platforms may experience symptoms similar to withdrawal. When participants were instructed to refrain from using social media for a week, they reported feelings of boredom, intense cravings, and social pressure to check their feeds. Shockingly, during the intervention phase, approximately 59% of participants succumbed to the temptation and relapsed at least once.
Avoiding the Trap of Social Media Addiction
To overcome the addictive habit of constantly checking social media, one effective strategy is to disable all notifications on your phone, with the exception of incoming texts or calls. By eliminating the constant alerts and updates from social media platforms, you can resist the temptation to constantly check for likes and comments in your feed. This simple step can help you break free from the endless cycle of scrolling and wasting hours on social media.