Can social networks become an addiction?

 

Social networks arrived with the era internet and since then they have forever changed the way people communicate.

Every day, several times a day, we connect to our social networks . They are on average 3 per user.

A selfie on Instagram, a post on Facebook or a tweet on the Tweeter platform …

When is the is the use of social networks in our daily lives abnormal ?

 

2h / day, this is the estimated average time spent on these different social platforms.

However, the social networks are not, by themselves, really addicting.

Those are the compulsive behaviors associated with their use who are and which are sometimes problematic.

 

An addiction is in fact a habit, a mechanical action not necessarily voluntary, which produces a certain mental gratification.
An addicted person can be psychologically extremely dependent.

This behavior thus becomes a compulsive behavior suppressing interest for other previously rewarding activities.

 

social media addiction

 

 

Particularly vulnerable young people

 

Adolescents and young adults are particularly affected by this addiction. At an age where contacts and meetings are essential to build an identity, to evolve in this virtual world allows you to feel less alone.

It is easier to create a circle of “friends” behind your phone screen, “likes” provide a feeling of recognition pushing young people to pass. more and more time on social networks .

All this time spent behind screens prevents these young people from investing in a normal social life or in activities. This dependence can therefore become a problem by preventing the youngest from create a real relational network , based on real social contacts.

This disconnection with reality grows even more in the face of the most recent drifts brought to light such as the cyber harassment , the incitement to hatred or even the unwanted content that can be found on the internet.

Social networks occupying an important place in society, it is necessary to inform the youngest about their use and that of the digital in general.

 

young people and social networks

According to a survey conducted by Swiss addiction in 2020 :

About a quarter of 11 to 15 year olds often use social media to escape negative feelings; around 4% even present problematic use.

 

 

How to avoid addiction to social networks?

 

Let’s already shed some light on how recognize a dependence on social networks.

We talk about dependence when it involves:

  • A loss of control
  • An absorption of the mental level
  • An alteration in the person’s daily functioning

Weaning from this mode of communication may cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression or unusual agitation.

As we have seen previously, adolescents are a group at risk. But in some cases, certain characteristics specific to an individual or problems encountered at a younger age can increase the risk of addiction:

  • Excessive shyness
  • Sleeping troubles
  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression etc.

 

social media addiction

 

In order to limit dependence on social networks , prevention must start very young. It is first and foremost the role of parents to put a time limit on their connection to their child (ren) and to adapt the platforms according to age.

Maintain control over what the children on the internet . Stimulate sport and team activities.

The use of social networks becomes really problematic when there is a rupture of all social ties, when people abandon the real in favor of social networks . At this stage, consultation of social networks becomes an obsession: it is consulted in all places, including in the professional or school world, and at any time, even during moments of rest.

Watch for these behavioral changes in yourself or your loved ones and do not hesitate to consult if in doubt.

 

 

Ensure your e-reputation

 

The e-reputation is our reputation on the internet.

Depending on what we post, our activity on the web and our use of social networks , we leave more or less important traces.

It’s no longer a secret today: certain photos or certain posts can damage a person’s reputation, even going so far as to prevent them from having a job when recruiters search. social networks.

It is not always pleasant to see your opinions (political for example), your tastes, your family or party photos displayed in broad daylight …

We must therefore be aware of the privacy options offered by these platforms .

Regularly check the privacy options implemented by social networks , limit the publication of content that could harm you one day and preserve your privacy as much as possible.

 

 

Social media opportunities

 

When used reasonably, social networks have assets in everyday life .

They allow in particular:

  • To find people like us : same interests, same passions all over the world. There is no distance limit.
  • To stay informed : Sharing information and news is quick and easy on social media. By quickly checking their news feed, you stay up to date with everything that is happening around you.
  • To keep in touch with his friends : stay close to friends spontaneously and in real time.
  • To follow the news of the places you frequent , shops you usually go to. Professionals communicate more and more through their community on social networks.

 

For businesses, social networks have great potential to develop the image of its brand and accelerate its communication by creating a loyal audience. This hearing is called community and the communication is more personalized and closer to its customers.

 

 

FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out

 

FOMO designates the fear of missing something important .

Result of a social media disorder , this expression designates for a person the fear of missing out on information, of not being aware of what is happening.

This results in a very frequent consultation of its networks which causes frustration, nervousness and difficulty concentrating.

This fear is also felt at the idea that others lead more hectic and interesting lives than his. This syndrome reveals a fear of exclusion and loneliness .

 

depression social networks