After taking the "AM I ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA?" quiz, my results showed that I did not meet the criteria for social media addiction.
Congratulations! Psychologists estimate that as many as 5 to 10% of Americans meet the criteria for social media addiction today. But luckily, that's not you! Not checking social media every few minutes doesn't make you feel anxious, as you prefer to live 'in the moment' rather than through your apps. You use social media to your advantage, at work and to connect with friends and family, but you know when to put it away. Keep it up!
I typically turn my phone on Do Not Disturb at certain times.
The Pew Research Center reports statistic highlighting older adults growing usage of social media is the one I selected. I can relate to this finding as I manage how my relationship with technology is evolving as I get older. As I get older I notice that I prefer different social media sites and apps than I did when I was younger. I used to spend most of my time on platforms that were geared toward younger people but these days I prefer those that let me make deeper connections like Facebook and LinkedIn which are more popular with my peers.
In my opinion, social media has changed our emotional landscapes and societal values in addition to how we communicate. A clear reminder of how technology can promote disconnection and apathy even as it opens up new avenues for connection is provided by the desensitization to real-world problems and the degradation of privacy. It is crucial to reconsider our relationship with social media place a higher value on genuine connections and work toward a balance that respects both our humanity and our need for privacy if we are to thoughtfully navigate this digital age.
Social media which provides a platform for connection and communication has become an essential part of our everyday lives in todays hyperconnected world. Nonetheless the overabundance of social media can have detrimental effects on relationships productivity and mental health. One important lesson from this project is the value of establishing clear boundaries in order to minimize social media use.
Anderson, B. A. and M. (2021, April 5). Use of online platforms, apps varies – sometimes widely – by Demographic Group. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/pi_2021-04-07_social-media_0-03-png/
Team, E. (2022, January 26). “am I addicted to Social Media?” quiz. Time to Log Off. https://www.itstimetologoff.com/wp_quiz/am-i-addicted-to-social-media-quiz/