Excessive social media use can lead to some dangerous habits and even become as addictive as chemical abuse, according to Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Nihara Krause MBE.
The award-winning founder of mental health charity Stem 4 said that when users begin to seek out validation through social media and find themselves spending prolonged amounts of time scrolling but ‘achieving nothing’, then it may be time to implement some boundaries.
Just like anything else, social media should be used in moderation in order to have a ‘healthy relationship’ with it.
Dr Krause said: “In terms of the question of whether social media is addictive there are what are called behavioural addictions.
“They show similar features to chemical addictions in that the behaviour is carried out impulsively.
“People find it very difficult to stop and when they do try and stop they have the same response as one would do if they were trying to stop a chemical addiction in that they feel they experience signs of withdrawal.
“They can become anxious, agitated and they feel a compulsive need to check their devices.”
A recent statement released by Addictionhelp.com revealed that the reason for social media becoming addictive is due to the apps being structured around receiving likes or positive feedback from other users.
This kind of validation from friends or even strangers can release dopamine which is the chemical in your brain tied to the reward centre.
Many sites are designed to keep you engaged with algorithms tracking what you interact with to then impart content that will keep you engaged. It then leads people to struggle with self-control and overuse of these sites.
Dr Krause said: “If this sounds like something you experience then it is a good idea to try and implement blocks on your phone through your settings to limit the amount of screen time you can have or else this type of addiction will impact your mental health negatively.
“This will allow you to have control of your relationship with social media rather than it being the other way round.”
Stem 4 offers services to help promote positive mental health in young people in a digital age.
If you feel you suffer with a social media addiction you can visit Stem 4 website for help tailored to you at https://stem4.org.uk/promoting-positive-mental-health-in-young-people-in-a-digital-age/
