Social media has become the most common form of communication today. It has allowed people to “stay in touch” and reach out to long-lost friends and family members. Social media has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic as it has been a lifeline for staying informed and maintaining human contact during times of social distancing and isolation.
Now, more people than ever before are relying on social media as their primary way of networking and communicating with people. Long before the pandemic hit, there were already concerns about the impact social media could have on psychological well-being. As our society becomes more connected but has less physical contact, there seems to be an increase in the quantity of communication to help make up for the lack of quality. This is a concern as it can have a detrimental effect on our mental health. Read more about the importance of physical touch in human communication in one of our past blogs.
At Blair Wellness Group in Beverly Hills, we are dedicated to our client’s wellbeing and want to help them reach their mental and emotional goals. If you or someone you know is struggling with social media addiction, please contact us at 310.999.4996.
Signs of Social Media Addiction
Just about everyone is on social media, and some people dedicate quite a bit of time to it. So, how do you know if you have an addiction? Here are just a few ways a habit can cross the line and become an addiction.
- You feel restless whenever you’re not on social media
- You think about social media whenever you not using it
- Overuse of social media has caused problems at your job
- You resort to social media as a way to escape your problems
- You’re on social media while engaging in other activities
- You ignore the people you’re with to be on social media
Complications From Social Media Addiction
Although social media may not be as harmful as other forms of addiction, it can contribute to some serious problems, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Feelings of isolation
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship issues
Preventing Social Media Addiction
It’s nearly impossible to avoid social media altogether, but there are things you can do to avoid developing an unhealthy relationship or addiction. For instance, set clear boundaries for yourself on when you will or won’t engage and for how long. You can also take “social media breaks” where you sign off from all social media for a predetermined length of time. Even taking a step back from it for a day or two, and instead, planning some time to meet up with someone in person can go a long way in supporting positive mental health.
Social Media Addiction Counseling in Beverly Hills, Irvine, and Newport Beach
For individuals who have been unsuccessful in trying to limit their engagement in social media and are now finding that it is putting a strain on their job, relationships, or physical health, social media addiction counseling may be the best option. Contact Blair Wellness Group in Beverly Hills to schedule an appointment.
