How to know that if you have a social media addiction?

How do I know if I have a social media addiction ? What are the signs that might indicate I suffer from it ? Let’s find out the solution.Currently there are many people who can spend several moments or even hours on social networks. In fact, it’s a way we usually have to connect with our friends and family. That is, we can enjoy social networks, but, in some cases, this can lead to certain behaviors dependence which can harm us in different aspects. So, how do we know if we are addicted to social media ?

What is social media addiction?

More and more people are using social media platforms to connect with friends and loved ones or simply to distract ourselves from problems or negative thoughts that may be plaguing us. In these cases, especially in children and adolescents, more and more people suffer from a certain addiction to social networks.In the same way as happens with some types of behavioral addictions, the use of social media can end up affecting the functioning of our brain. So much so that people can end up using social media compulsively and excessively, causing effects in our lives.

Why are social networks so addictive?

Although social media may suffer from a way of disconnecting, they actually have a negative effect on our brain. This is because when using social networks, dopamine signals, the hormone associated with pleasure, increase. When we experience more dopamine after using social media, our brain identifies this act as a rewarding activity that we should repeat.The positive feelings experienced while using social media are only temporary. The way our brain engages in this positive reinforcement is also seen in other addictions. As the dopamine of well-being fades, you will again need social media for more. This is why social media end up being addictive.

How can social media addiction affect us?

People who have a social media addiction may suffer from the following:

• Low self-esteem: This may be due to the fact that social media platforms only show the most positive part of other people’s lives, which can create the mistaken belief that other people’s lives are better than ours.
• Isolation and loneliness: Being constantly in contact with others, some people may avoid meeting or going out with their friends because they already cover their social needs through social media platforms.
• Anxiety or depression: Addiction to social media can end up causing anxiety or depression because when we compare ourselves to the more positive version of others, we can come to feel that we have not lived a good life or that we will never be able to live It.
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Known as “the fear of missing out,” FOMO involves the feeling of not being where you should be because you feel like others are doing better things with their lives.
• Insomnia: If you access social media before going to sleep, you may end up suffering from sleep problems such as insomnia because using screens exposes us to blue light, something that disturbs our circadian rhythm and melatonin levels.
• Less productivity: People who suffer from social media addiction may end up suffering a loss of motivation towards what they do on a daily basis.

These can be some of the main consequences of excessive use of social media platforms. Over time, if it becomes an addiction, it can increase your chances of developing a mental disorder such as anxiety or depression.

How do you know if you have a social media addiction?

There are some signs that you may be suffering from a social media addiction. Among the most common we can highlight the following:

• Negative results at work or studies: excessive use of social networks can affect our attention span, worsening the results in our work or studies.
• Increased use during other activities: a sign that could indicate addiction to social networks could be excessive use of them when talking or enjoying activities with friends or family.
• Social media addiction: People who suffer from social media addiction may use them as a way to deal with their personal problems.
• Nervousness: If you suffer from restlessness or irritability when you don’t have access to social media, this could be a sign that you may be suffering from a social media addiction.
• Thinking too much about social networks: If you think a lot about social networks even when you don’t use them, this can be a clear sign that you suffer from addiction.

These are some of the signs that could indicate that you are suffering from a social media addiction .

How to detox from social media?

If you believe you suffer from an addiction to social media, it is important that you take the following into account:

• Delete social networks from your cell phone: This will help you stop being so conscious of social networks. Plus, whenever you need it, you can access it through your computer.
• Turn off your cell phone: It is advisable to try turning off your cell phone at times that require concentration, such as at work, during school or university or during recreational activities.
• Set aside limited time for social media : It can be very helpful to limit your time on social media by trying to set aside only certain times during the day.
• Don’t put your relationships aside: Many people addicted to social networks can end up putting their relationships aside due to excessive use of networks. In this case, it is important to prioritize connections and leave networks aside.
• Go to therapy: If you feel that social media addiction is affecting you in many aspects, it is important that you go to a mental health professional . This specialist will allow you to detect what is causing you this addiction to social networks and will give you the tools to deal with the problem.

Social media have become essential in today’s world. Even so, using them too much can end up causing many problems for our mental health. Therefore, we must remember that the real world is much more important than the virtual one.