Honours/Special project - SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION

A growing concern.
Social Media Addiction

Social media. Most of us would gladly describe our usage of this platform as a hobby or as it's intended 'a means to socialise and connect'

The issue we are facing today particulary in Generation Y, is that this hobby turning into an addictive and harmful habit on both the mental and physical level.

Published last year (2018) on Mediakix, was an article highlighting the top eight social media statistics following social media studies found in 2012 and 2016.
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Top 8 statistics

1. 3.1 billion people are Social Media users worldwide (1/3 of global population)
2.9 billion (94% of users) will access social media via their mobile.

2. 210 Million are estimated to suffer from Social Media Addiction.

3. Teenagers that spend 5 Hours per day on Social Media, are twice as likely to show depressive symptoms. 58% more females being likely to exhibit these symptoms.

4. Compared to any other category, young single females are the most addicted to Social Media according to a recent study that contained 23,500 participants. Another common factor included that those with narcissistic or low self esteem traits were more likely to show addictive behaviours.

5. 71% of Americans sleep with their phone.

6. 10% of teenagers check their phone more then 10 times each night.

7. 50% of people check their Social media whilst driving.

8. Over 240 Million / 74% of Americans will check Facebook daily.

Classic social media addiction symptoms

Social media addiction is a growing phenomenon worldwide.
Many studies have shown results of classic symptoms of SMA (Social Media Addiction) to consist of the following psychological reactions:

⦁ Daily and constant planning or thinking about social media.
⦁ Lying about how often they use social media.
⦁ Failed attempts to decrease usage.
⦁ Irritation to anxiety symptoms when away from Social media.
⦁ Spending more time online to experience a rush in the rewards area of the brain.

Available treatments

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating SMA.
This may include a mixture of the following thought and behavioural strategies:

Thought Challenging: Reflecting on non productive thoughts or core beliefs which feed the addiction.

Behavioural Strategies: The act of setting realistic goals and changing unhelpful behaviours. This may include limitations as to how long the user can check or use their Social media.

Values-Based Strategies: Evaluation and re-engagement in old interests, relationships and any neglected situations that hold value to the person.

This kind of CBT treatment is also conducted with Group Therapy Support which is another available treatment option to SMA sufferers. Support by family, friendships and other close relationships also play a key role in SMA recovery.

These are the most commonly stated forms of treatment published to date.
By using CBT therapies either in a clinical 1-1 therapy scenario, group therapy or home care/ self treatment plan, the effects of SMA have shown a reduction according to individual feedback.

Personal experience

My decision to do research this area of concern was based on my own self diagnosis.
(This is later to be checked with my clinical psychologist)

My loved ones around me had noticed and many times commented on my SMA.

One of the symptoms as listed above, is to lie about usuage or sense of control over Social Media, which was exactly what I did.

My more recent symptoms include loss of sleep, lack of diet and a need for a rush.
All these symptoms are linked to SMA.

Final thoughts

To conclude, I would like to address that SMA is a real addiction that has been stated to be as harmful as a smoking addiction in both physical and mental aspects.

As I believe we are still in the very early stages of recognising SMA as a mental and physical condition, we need to reduce any stigma attached by discussing our experience with SMA more openly.

As more studies of this global condition continues, more available treatment options will be discovered and I feel as 7cups / mental health care advocates, it is our duty to make these studies & treatments known.

Thank you for reading my insights in SMA and the current predicament we are facing.

Discussion questions

⦁ Does social media effect your life in any negative way?
⦁ Would you ever consider a social media 'detox' if you felt addicted?
⦁ What are your concerns with social media and it's impact on mental health?

References

https://mediakix.com/2018/04/social-media-addiction-statistics/#gs.35qj0m
https://www.woodcockpsychology.com.au/social-media-addiction/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-21/social-media-addiction-feature/4533228
https://paradigmmalibu.com/teen-social-media-addiction-treatment/