Are You Addicted to Social Media?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Social media has changed the world we live in. It's opened up our connections. It's taken us overboard in the sharing department. In a lot of ways, social media is both beneficial and fun. In other ways, not so much. But perhaps the most alarming part of social media isn't the potential benefits or negative side effects, but rather the possibility of addiction. So many people are becoming addicted to the like button and they don't even know it. If you love social media, take a look at these signs of addiction and some tips for overcoming it so that you can safely enjoy it in your life.
Signs You're Addicted
You check first thing - If you open your eyes in the morning and immediately reach for the phone, you're probably addicted to it. Our first thought shouldn't be about text messages, email, or social media.
You reach for it when you're bored - Yes, it's something to do. But do you ever do anything else when you're bored? Do you ever try out a hobby or spend time with friends phone-free? If not, it might be because you're addicted to that little screen.
You feel depressed after use - Many people find that excessive time on social media causes a decline in mental health. If this is you, it may be because you're spending way more time that you realize scrolling through the nonsense.
How to Beat Addiction
Reduce usage - This is the most obvious answer, right? If you have the self-discipline, make sure you're only checking your social media accounts at certain parts of the day. Limit it, follow through, and see if it makes a difference.
Deactivate your accounts - Sometimes you have to take slightly more drastic measures. If this is you, deactivate your accounts. Or at least some of your accounts. Do we really need Facebook and Twitter and Snapchat and Instagram and the newest trend -- whatever that may be? No, we don't! Choose your favorite escape method, and then delete the rest.
Get help - No matter what kind of addiction you have, sometimes you need help. If you can't beat it on your own, reach out for counseling to help you break the addiction.
Social media can be good. It can connect us to others and offer us glimpses into worlds we might not otherwise see. But if we allow ourselves to get addicted, it only brings negatives into our lives. Be aware of your social media use. Be proactive about keeping it under control. With the right approach, you can enjoy social media and good mental health at the same time.
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