Have you ever used the social media as a tool for positive change? If yes, be assured that you are among millions who truly understand the benefits of social media which of course are innumerable. In Nigeria for instance the ICT contributes 13% of Nigeria's GDP (gross domestic product) according to the National Bereau of Statistics (NBS) and ICT as we know does not exempt the social media. Also the world in general has become a global village through the use of social media. An estimated 3.5 billion people in the world use the social media. But sadly many of these have submerged themselves in the platform that they became addicted to it, no wonder a recent survey by the Royal Society for Public Health in the United Kingdom, proved social media to be more addictive than Cigarettes and alcohol, imagine if you smoked as much as you checked your feed.
According to "Addiction Center" an online page, social media addiction is a behavioral addiction that is defined by being overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to social media, devoting so much time on it that it impairs other life areas. Examples of social media platforms include, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, WeChat, Imo etc.
SYMPTOMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION
The following can help you detect if you are falling/ have fallen victim to social media addiction
1. Euphoric feeling when about to use the social media
2. Little or no sense of time
3. Isolation, defensiveness and agitation
4. Headaches/ backaches due to long stay on your device
5. Blurred or strained vision.
Also ask yourself, have you made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to cut back/control your use of the social media?
Does social media serve as an escape from problems or relief from bad mood?
If any of the above had once happened to you, that would not necessarily mean that you are a social media addict , but check if they have persisted or turned chronic, if so then you need to watch out.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION
A. Poor sleep: most social media addicts spend long hours in the use of social media and often are unable to pass through the REM (rapid eye movement, or dream ) sleep and the non-REM (or non dream sleep) in the night, essential for good mental health and alertness in the day.
B. Accidents : it could be domestic accidents or otherwise, in any case addiction to social media could cause this. Think of a driver who quickly wants to reply to a conversation on his Facebook handle, he might from there see important notifications that he so much values and wants to quickly check out as well, but before long he would be taken unawares by how quick he gets into danger.
C. Think of this, Neuroscientists have compared social media interactions to a syringe of dopamine being injected straight into the system. Dopamines are hormones that affects the brain's reward areas, such triggering the same kind of chemical reaction as hard drugs like Cocaine, just imagine that!
And on the estimate 27% of children who spend 3 or more hours a day on social media exhibit symptoms of poor mental health. Just see how negative social media addiction can be!
TREATMENT/SOLUTION
1. Antidepressants and anti- anxiety drugs such as Escitalopram is drug option proven effective for internet addiction according to studies by Mount Sinai School of medicine. But remember that medications must be administered by a health professional, it could also have adverse side effects. And this page does not recommend medications either, readers discretion is required.
2. Digital detox: reduce dependency on social media by restoring or increasing your focus on social interactions in the physical world.
If non of these methods proves effective please seek help from professionals trained to rehabilitate addicts .
Clearly though determination and self discipline is needed to help you fight and break free from social media addiction.
What more can help one get free from social media addiction and what additional suggestions do you want to make?
Please don't keep silent, kindly use the comment box below to say your mind.
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