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CCL04: Why is Social Media So Addictive?
CCL04: Why is Social Media So Addictive?
Social media is addictive for many reasons. One reason is that it gives us validation. Humans have evolved in a way that makes us crave inclusion from other people. When we create a post on social media, we feel satisfied when another individual ‘likes’ or ‘comments’ because it makes us feel included and liked by others ².
Another reason is that social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram produce the same neural circuitry that is caused by gambling and recreational drugs to keep consumers using their products as much as possible ¹. These platforms are structured in a way that it activates feel-good chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, which can be deeply addictive ³.
Social media can also be addictive because of its interactivity, visual-based nature, and easy access to dopamine. The way all social media plays on the reward center of our brain, our insecurities, and our need for validation and to be “in the know” is why social media can be so addictive ⁴.
In conclusion, social media is addictive because it provides us with validation, activates feel-good chemicals in the brain, and plays on our insecurities. It's important to use social media in moderation and be aware of how it affects our mental health.
1. Validation: The act of confirming or verifying something .
2. Neural circuitry: The network of neurons in the brain that are responsible for processing and transmitting information .
3. Dopamine: A neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward .
4. Interactivity: The ability to interact with something or someone .
5. Visual-based nature: Refers to the fact that social media is primarily based on images and videos .
Tips that Help You Avoid Social Media Addiction
Tips that Help You Avoid Social Media Addiction
1. Turn off your social media notifications: This will help you avoid the constant urge to check your phone every time you receive a notification ¹.
2. Limit your social media screen time: Set a specific time limit for using social media each day and stick to it ¹.
3. Get a new hobby outside of social media: Find something else that you enjoy doing that doesn't involve social media ¹.
4. Check in with friends and family offline: Spend more time with friends and family in person instead of relying on social media to stay connected ¹.
5. Make social media a treat: Use social media as a reward for completing other tasks or goals ¹.
6. Delete the social media apps you don't use: This will help you avoid the temptation to check them constantly ¹.
7. Go cold turkey & quit social media: If you find that you can't control your social media use, consider quitting it altogether ¹.
Remember, it's important to use social media in moderation and be aware of how it affects our mental health.
"Going Cold Turkey" means quitting something immediately without tapering off. Someone who quits smoking cold turkey does so immediately and doesn't reduce the amount they smoke first.
When you have finished this quiz, email jason.mccoy@slps.org with CCL04.
Sources
Sources
¹: https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/social-media-addiction/
²: https://5orry.com/health/10-reasons-why-social-media-is-addictive/
³: https://gabb.com/blog/why-is-social-media-addictive/
⁴: https://www.social-media-addiction.com/why-is-social-media-addictive/
(1) 10 Reasons Why Social Media is Addictive | 5ORRY. https://5orry.com/health/10-reasons-why-social-media-is-addictive/.
(2) Social Media Addiction - Addiction Center. https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/social-media-addiction/.
(3) Why is Social Media Addictive (and how is it affecting teens?) - Gabb. https://gabb.com/blog/why-is-social-media-addictive/.
(4) Why is social media addictive? - Social Media Addiction. https://www.social-media-addiction.com/why-is-social-media-addictive/.
(5) Addictive potential of social media, explained - Scope. https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2021/10/29/addictive-potential-of-social-media-explained/.
(6) Why Are We So Addicted to Social Media? - Welldoing. https://welldoing.org/article/why-are-we-so-addicted-to-social-media.
¹: https://www.bustle.com/life/144893-7-ways-to-stop-your-social-media-addiction
(1) 7 Ways To Stop Your Social Media Addiction - Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/life/144893-7-ways-to-stop-your-social-media-addiction.
(2) How To Stop Addiction To Social Media: 9 Effective Tips - Bscholarly. https://bscholarly.com/how-to-stop-addiction-to-social-media/.
(3) How to break social media addiction, or spend less time online - Insider. https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/how-to-break-social-media-addiction.
(4) How to beat your social media addiction, according to a therapist. https://www.cnet.com/health/the-right-way-to-beat-your-social-media-addiction-according-to-a-therapist/.
(5) How to stop a social media addiction: Our team's best tips. https://www.androidauthority.com/stop-social-media-addiction-3230401/.
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