Social media addiction
Social media addiction – is a behavioral addiction that is characterized as being overly concerned about social media. Whenever a person logs into their favorite apps, dopamine signals in their brain increase. These neurotransmitters are associated with pleasure. When a person experiences more dopamine after using social media, the brain identifies this activity as a reward and worth repeating. Such a reaction may be felt whenever the user makes a post of their own and gains positive feedback. The positive feelings experienced during social media use are only temporary. The way the brain engages in this positive reinforcement is also seen in other addictions. Thus, as the feel-good dopamine wears off, a person goes back to the source (in this case, social media) for more.
A mental health professional can help you determine whether you truly have social media addiction or just really enjoy using it a lot. But there are a few key differences between social media addiction and a habit that you enjoy. These include:
- negative effects to your job or school work due to the overuse of social media (e.g., scrolling through your apps at work or instead of studying);
- increased use during other activities, such as hanging out with friends and family, or while eating;
- increased reliance on social media as a way to cope with problems;
- restlessness and irritability whenever you’re not using social media;
- anger whenever social media usage is reduced;
- thinking about social media whenever you aren’t using it, so much so that it’s the first thing you turn to whenever you have the opportunity;
Cherney, K. (2020). What is social media addiction? Retrieved from https://surl.li/lmvuge
Hilliard, J. (2025). Social Media Addiction: Recognize the signs. Retrieved from https://surl.li/mtmsor