Social Media Addiction-My Honor Project
SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION
"I'm an addict. I just got lost in Facebook"
Replies a young mother when asked why she doesn't see herself able to help her daughter with homework, this case while extreme is suggestive of a potential mental health problem.
Social networking sites are seen as global consumer phenomenon and addictive use of social media has become an area of increasing research interest as it may affect over 210 million users worldwide.
If you have thought about leaving Facebook , swearing never to return only to weekly log back in a week later what is termed social media reversion , you're not alone as 44% of this U.S young adult sample reported problematic social media use (PSMU) which was strongly and independently associated with 9% increase of depressive symptoms.
Etiology:
Scholars have suggested that a combination of biological, psychological and social factors contributes to the etiology of addiction.
Neuroimaging studies have clearly shown the portions of the brain that are involved when engaged in social media. Social media engagement has been found to trigger three key networks in the brain – the mentalizing network, the the self-referential cognition network and the reward network":
-"Mentalizing network" means that when the human brain is not actively engaged in something, it tends to start focusing on other people to "see the world through a social lens," – a process called mentalizing. Occurs in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that engages in social interaction, creates empathy to other peoples thoughts and feelings, and helps us make judgments about other people that are perceived as being important and thus non-optional.
-Self referencing thinking about oneself is important for self-appraisals, and social competitiveness. In fact, humans devote about 30–40% of all speech to talking about themselves, but this number spikes to about 80% of social media posts. Egocentrism has been linked also to Internet addiction as it may facilitate the engagement of in addictive behaviors and attracts people to use it in potentially excessive way.
-Reward network Teens have exaggerated activity in the nucleus accumbens area of the brain, which is associated with reward system. The increased activity and size of the nucleus accumbens among adolescents is the reason for social approval and social outcomes administered by peers to be highly valued. It has been proven that an adolescents decisions (good or bad) are certainly influenced by the opinions of their peers. This behavioral tendency has been associated with increased activity in the reward network of the brain. Social media provide the adolescent with a constant supply of social rewards in terms of peer recognition and approval, as can be seen from the triggering of the reward network, which can serve as a powerful attraction to continued social media use.it is possibly the most important reason of disorder. Even more compelling is the fact that online social media engagement causes a release of oxytocin and dopamine making it much harder for people to resist the activity.
Susceptible groups:
An open web-based survey including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results demonstrated that lower age, being a woman (indicating that women may tend to develop more addictive use of activities involving social interaction than men), not being in a relationship, being a student, lower education, lower income, lower self-esteem, and narcissism were associated with higher scores on the BSMAS . Although most effect sizes were relatively modest, the findings supported the notion of addictive social media use reflecting a need to feed the ego (i.e., narcissistic personality traits) and an attempt to inhibit a negative self-evaluation (i.e., self-esteem).
Signs of social media addiction:
. 1. You spend a lot of time thinking about Facebook or planning how to use it. You feel a preoccupation to use Facebook or the immediate need to share. Over-sharing stems from saying too much and then regretting what we said. Those who suffer from an addiction do not always judge what is appropriate or inappropriate to post.
2. The default choice for your free time activity is to be on Facebook. You may leave your Facebook open in the background, Even when you are outside enjoying a drink with a friend, you log in to the Facebook app on your smartphone every now and then during brief moments of non-interactions.
3. You use Facebook in order to forget about personal problems as a psychological escape. The use of Facebook then becomes a distraction from problems because ones attention is always diverted with its use.
4. You become restless or troubled if you are prohibited from using Facebook. With addiction, there is an element of withdrawal. We associated with withdrawal from drugs and alcohol and not necessarily behaviors but studies show that people can also go through withdrawal from additive behaviors like Pathological Gambling. When we talk about Facebook addiction, you may start to feel anxious if you cant access your network.
5. You use Facebook so much that it has had a negative impact on your relationships, it may come to a point when you get more comfortable socializing online than offline or fearful with face-to-face communication, which is a far richer experience than communicating online where one cannot actually see non-verbal communication.
Treatment for Social Media Addiction:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Internet Addiction and Recovery, that works by admitting the presence of the problem, must turn off all notifications, reschedule when checking social media (twice a day is an average) and help the addict find alternative ways of communicating.
*For people interested in the topic please visit the links below for further reading:
http://netaddiction.com/ebay-addiction/
http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cpb.2004.7.384
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460316301095
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-online-secrets/201709/social-media-addicts-need-feed-their-egos
Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale
http://smaddiction.web.unc.edu/bergen-facebook-addiction-scale/
DISCUSSION QUESTION
1-How did this article make you feel?
2-How does social networking affect your life?
3-What do you suggest as a good alternative ways of communication?
Thank you all for reading; I'm waiting hopefully for your comments and answers.
1-How did this article make you feel?
This article didn't really make me 'feel' a lot of things, but it did make me wonder why, when the topic is general social media addiction, the author ONLY references Facebook? That social platform is actually the one that I use the least when I'm online, so I couldn't really connect with it as much as other people. It also made me think of this one video I watched about spotting signs of domestic violence despite "the frilly, picture perfect" front people hide behind using social media (posting highlights and such).
2-How does social networking affect your life?
While I do indeed use Facebook just like a lot of others, I use it primarily to keep connected with family members, read interesting articles I find, and keep track of events that I want to go to around town. Very rarely do I ever actually post status updates, but I do sometimes share relevant or interesting information, and when I go on large trips, I do post there to document it. You'll mostly find me on platforms such as Tumblr, a microblogging site, where I tend to express my interests and talk about myself the most. Instagram I use sometimes, and I haven't exactly figured out the overall point of Twitter. xD Snapchat I still don't quite understand how to use lol.
Yes, I do tend to get a giddy feeling every time someone likes something that I post on Facebook, but since it's only a temporary feeling, and usually doesn't have anything to do with myself since I'm still very guarded even when I'm on social media, it doesn't do anything to raise or lower my self-esteem. But honestly, I think the biggest issue I have with social media (for instance Facebook) is that it presents a distorted view of myself to others, and they end up not actually knowing who I really am, despite us being friends. It also make me think....what if you post something to social media that's not deemed "good" or "positive"? Like what if you post something about your bad day? Or a picture of yourself that doesn't looks as "clean"? How many people would judge you for that?
Sometimes I view social media as a tool to compete, or a tool to become popular. On Tumblr for instance, I see all of these studyblrs where people post their organized, picture-worthy, filtered posts of their notebooks, handwritten notes, pens, clean desks, etc. But on an average day, does their desk or notes really look like that? What is the point of even posting things like that other than to get "notes" from others? I do realize that many people use studyblrs as a way to help them be productive, or for them to give others study/school/organization pointers, but most of what I see is just...people trying to be professional photographers?
3-What do you suggest as a good alternative ways of communication?
When I am in a social setting, like in a gathering of people I realized that when the conversation seems to dwindle a bit, people automatically reach for their phones as a type of distraction. I can understand finding something to do on your phone could be a good way to distract yourself if you're waiting for something, such as a ride to pick you up from somewhere, or waiting for food to cook, etc. But yeah, when you're in a group, face to face communication is always a better way to go, because reaching for your phone may give people a signal that they are somehow too boring for you (and it just isn't a good way to treat someone).
I know that snail mail is still very much out of style but emailing back and forth could be another good way to connect with someone! Online forums have also become popular means.
@mimameid Hey ....thanks for taking time to write this wonderful comment I really appreciate criticism for good purpose and in response about why using Facebook....i just want to make the article more understandable and easier when giving examples so I choose Facebook the most popular network to be my example but for sure that applies for other media, from what i understand you don't excessively use social media and psychological signs are variable due to individual variations but when starting interrupting the daily life then professional medical help is extremely recommended....i agree with you that you think face to face connection is better ....thanks again
@CaringHand44
1. Mostly indifferent cause lately don't feel urged outside of the SO's twitter and no withdrawl from not watching it intently.
2. I use it to share things but stopped caring how much I see unless it's an event my friends are taking part in or there's something monumental. Checking once a week is fine if I remember to.
3. I think coming to 7cups is a good substitute because it's social media that is more uplifting aside from the trolls.
- My Experience with Social Media -
I have definitely noticed the grasp of social media on my life and actively tried to cut down my usage of it.
The forms of social media I use and find most addictive are:
1. Facebook
I have only started using facebook recently, as I know I have problems with self-control, but after travelling abroad it was very difficult to stay in contact with the friends I had made overseas. However, despite having the intention of only using it for communicating with overseas friends, checking my feed for funny content quickly became a ritualistic habit. I have also started playing facebook games, although I am trying to limit them now.
2. Instagram
Although I rarely use it anymore, Instagram was my first big social media addiction. I remember the times where gaining new followers would be one of the most important things in my life and I was constantly stressing about how I looked in photos online. Not a fan of the new update however, the whole "story" thing is a bit too gimmicky for my liking.
3. Snapchat
Like Instagram, I have also stopped using snapchat (Facebook taking over?) but I found that this was perhaps the most serious addiction out of all three. Not only did I feel pressured to maintain my 'streaks' with my friends, the amout of filters (which change each day) had me taking selfies for ages. It got to the extent where when I would feel exposed and uncomfortable when taking a photo without a digital filter, as I thought I looked ugly without one. Toxic mindset. The snapchat news stories are also a perfect mixture of clickbaity titles and useless yet addicting content. I am glad I got over my snapchat phase, and my mobile data amout seems to have multiplied since I stopped using it :P
- Thoughts and Reflections -
I feel like I should clarify here that by no means am I saying social media is evil or
anything like that. They do a great job for what they're supposed to do, which is connecting people around the world and providing platforms for people of similar hobbies and interests.
What I have found is that social medias are becoming more and more commercialised, with algorithms that can exploit your online activity to find out what you are interested in, and then create personalised ads for what they believe will succeed. I remember using Instagram before it had advertisements, and now all of a sudden there are ads scattered all through my feed, all of which relate to things that I had previously searched for.
They (social media) are also good at separately targeting different age groups and communities. The best example of this is the Chinese social media platform Wechat. As the most popular social media platform in China, Wechat does an insane job at being able to target all generations of users from my grandmother to friends of my younger sister, who is 13. What I find interesting is that there are not many inter-generational links between these different demographics, as my mother constantly reprimands my grandmother for reading "fake reports" and the content accessed by my sister and my age groups are also very different.
It's fascinating how social media can affect people's lives, and although the outcome ("addiction") is reflected in symptoms like being "glued to the screen", decreased face to face interaction and narcissism, it is important to realise that social media works completely differently to capture the attention of different people. It's the complexity of the algorithms that makes it so good at attracting people of all different ages, backgrounds and personalities, and to me, that is the most intriguing thing about social media.
@MoonlightAlecia totally agree with you, social media now is more personalized and attached people more to be on the site by generating new addition of games and funny things everyday, I experienced that myself when searching about a word or something and just typed the first letter they showed me what i want that's definitely easier but makes me think hey those algorithms know about me moreover than anyone else and that's scary how the artificial intelligence can affect our life and privacy and remember that incident on Facebook when 2 pots developed their own language.....i love that share us your story with social media using and that you had to achieve balance and to limit social networking from badly affecting your life ....that's so motivational and reminds us that with will we can change habits....thank you a lot for your inspirational comment.
social apps have changed this generation into lazy gen... No sports, no physical activity they even don't give time to their parents or family...
Welcome to technology world but lazy world...
I'm addicted to Facebook I'm always on it and my phone is always in my hand.
I do this because I struggle with social anxiety so having my phone on me and looking at it means that ppl probably won't talk to me.
I also have Instagram and Snapchat but it's always Facebook that I use.
If I'm in a group (which I hate) I'll be on my phone so I don't have to talk. If I'm just with 1 friend or my sister I'm not on it as much because they call me ignorant.
I don't do it on purpose I do it because I don't want to talk or I'm starting to panic because there's too many ppl around me. I have my earphones in whenever I go out it's kinds like a little comfort to me that if I have them in then nobody with speak to me.
People think I'm a little strange but it's my way of getting from A to B without having a major panic attack.
@SarahJ88 hey it's very nice to share your story with us today and I'm hearing you describe a lot of emotions and thoughts concerning the social media and how it affects your life as if you use it as a distraction techniques from being surrounded with a lot of people and that must be hard for you ....if you want to discuss more, you can pm me or other listeners who will be happy to chat with you ....I really appreciate your true words and thanks a lot for your comment.
@CaringHand44
Thank you for commenting. It is a daily struggle and only surround myself with ppl that I feel comfortable around which is about 2 or 3 so I isolate myself a lot.
I do struggle everyday and if I can avoid going out I will make excuses so now ppl have stopped asking me.
Any tips or help would be really appreciated
Sarah
@SarahJ88 that sounds so stressful to feel loneliness i can only imagine what you're going through.... we are here for you ....you can message me and participate in support groups..if you want tips I recommend going through social anxiety guide on 7cups https://www.7cups.com/social-anxiety/
additional resources:
@CaringHand44
Thank you I'll take a look
Really appreciate it
@CaringHand44 hmmm I was reading this article and I was thinking that I don't have addiction from Facebook but I may have addiction to 7Cups *oppsie* 
I mean, I think a lot about my community and roles here in my spare time but that's because I need to plan it so.... I don't know.
Talking about facebook, I also noticed that people tend not to be addicted to facebook itself, but more on instant messages platform. I would say that's my struggle too but it's only because we live in the world when we have ability to communicate with our friends when they are not around. Who would be stupid enough not to use this ability? I guess it's alright as long as you are not spending time in messenger when you are out with your friends or communicating with someone in the real life. Me and my friends have this rule - no phone during meeting, so it means that we turn off the mobile networks when we met and the only exception is if we are waiting for some important message, but then everyone needs to agree that we are allowed to use the phone 
I don't think that we need alternative ways of communication. We live in the world that is in rush and we just simply can't expect that people are going to communicate via paper letters and stuff like these. Paper letters are something special and we can use them when we want to surprise someone, but instant messaging platform, communicating via social media - it makes our life easier. Sometimes we may not have time to ask what is going on in our friends or relative life, but we can always see the most important things at facebook and simply follow up with them. It's useful when you have relatives in the other countries but yeah, it's risky to loose the real communication in this way.
I actually don't know what I want to say in my message but mostly - I like the way we communicate now as it's easier, cheaper and faster. Maybe it's just our busy generation thing that can't be changed
@RaCat yeah we're gonna have 7 cups addiction lol but we have those rule considered messaging addiction and how to take a break and self care .....I understand what you mean although social media made our communication easier and cheaper , it affects us and we are like attached to it and ended up with many people not communicating at all , hard to talk to someone in the real world and faked their personalities to made them more loved ...etc . What about just changing the way we depend and deal with ,taking control maybe?
HI
I don't think I'm addicted to social media but I feel like I'm definitely addicted to the presence of the phone and I really Nedd to break this bad habit of keeping it with me all the time
1-How did this article make you feel?
Relieved, actually. I felt like I was addicted to social media and have been working on it, but do not feel very in line with these descriptions. I don't get anxious without it, I've let go of how to plan social media etc.
2-How does social networking affect your life?
This is why I minimalized how much I spent on social media. I compare myself a lot, want to shape my identity online, feel jealous.
3-What do you suggest as a good alternative ways of communication?
For me Apps that reward you for not using your phone for a while are nice and I don't actually need to use them, just having them as a reminder help me a lot to not reach for my phone and I've been more productive ever since.
@OpenWindow glad you felt relieved, of course social media affects our life and I'm proud that you notice the negatives and tried to reduce them ....rewarding apps seem nice, rewarding apps sound nice , may you recommend some in case anybody want to benefit from?
@CaringHand44 Yes, my favourite is 'Forest'. A colourful app that builds a forest. Little amounts of time off your phone give you bushes, more time gives you more and more complicated trees. Most importantly, when you unlock your phone, it reminds you and tells you how much time you have left!
@CaringHand44
1-How did this article make you feel?
actually I'm happy you brought this to us. This is something important to discuss. As much as social media is helpful it is harmful too. Thank you for a a wonderful discussion.
2-How does social networking affect your life?
right now social media has no effects on my life. I stopped using it two years ago due to privacy problems. My only usage for internet now would be either searching things up, using YouTube or here in 7cups. I believe being here ,not only benefits others but also benefits me as well.
3-What do you suggest as a good alternative ways of communication?
I'd say texting app and also there are lots of apps that provide talking and texting for free such as what's app, viper, etc. What is wonderful about all these is that you don't need a phone to use them. You can download them in a tablet, laptop, note book or any device that has WiFi.
@calmSoul60 thanks a lot for taking time to comment and I totally agree with you regarding the social media effects....sounds that you take a courageous decision to stop it when interrupting your privacy and that's great....yeah texting apps are nice specially we share things mostly with people who know us better and no need to fake personalities but they are somehow part of social media so just taking care is really appreciated