Several studies have investigated the relationship between digital media use and mental health. There have been many debates on this topic, but the majority of research indicates that social media use is linked to psychological and interpersonal problems. These issues vary from platform to platform, and women tend to experience these problems more than men.
Adolescents
Among adolescents, social media addiction is very prevalent. A majority of the adolescents spend up to half of their day on social media. The most common activity is checking their SNSs. They also upload sexualized images to SNSs. The youth use these images to promote their self-image.
The study found that there was a relationship between social media addiction and self-presentation. Compared with adolescents who did not have an addiction, those who were less assertive in their behavior are more likely to have an addiction. The social media addiction scale is used to measure addiction. The scores of the scale are measured by mean and standard deviation.
Using a survey, 186 adolescents were classified as social media addicts. In addition, the socio-psychological predictors of the disorder were also explored.
Treatment options
Using social media can be a fun way to connect with friends and family, but it can also be a dangerous habit that can lead to addiction. If you or a loved one is addicted to social media, there are many ways to help treat the problem.
One of the best treatment options is therapy. Therapists can help you identify the triggers that lead to social media addiction and teach you how to get past it. You may also need to participate in a support group, like Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA).
Another option is a digital detox. This can be a short term solution, lasting a few days to a week. The purpose of a digital detox is to break a bad habit and set new habits around social media use.
Goldilocks hypothesis
Optimal digital media use is a relative concept that requires consideration of individual usage and impact. The Goldilocks Hypothesis suggests that there is a sweet spot in terms of frequency and time spent. It states that too little screen time is not beneficial, while too much is detrimental to one’s mental health. This is supported by a series of regression models that tested the relationship between digital screen time and mental health among adolescents.
The digital Goldilocks hypothesis posits that the optimal form of screen time is a moderate level of digital media consumption, accompanied by a moderate level of time spent in social media. In other words, the optimal digital media consumption entails the minimum amount of time spent on a smartphone or tablet. This is in contrast to the worst case scenario, where users spend far too much time on a device that is both a source of entertainment and a source of distraction.
Psychological dependency
Using Facebook or Twitter has been proven to be a worthwhile endeavor for some, but the social media trifecta is not without its ills. In addition to distracting users from their responsibilities, it can cause them to miss out on key deadlines. As a result, many have become dependent on the opinions of their peers. In particular, teenagers and young adults are prone to narcissism, which may prove to be the genesis of a social networking problem. Thankfully, most users are not susceptible to this particular conundrum. A bit of education and some self control can go a long way in slaying the social media beast.
There is a lot of debate about the social media hyped oxymoron, but the most arduous task is figuring out what constitutes excessive usage and what should be the acceptable limits. Luckily, there are plenty of resources devoted to determining the best practices for social media use and providing support for those affected.
Interpersonal problems
Approximately 10 percent of Americans suffer from social media addiction. Although it is not recognized as a disease, it is treatable. If you think you may have this problem, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you find the best treatment options for your condition.
Some people use social media for fun, while others use it to stay connected with friends and family. But for some people, the social media platforms become a way to control their lives. The result is a mental obsession with social media, which leads to emotional and physical problems.
Symptoms of social media addiction include the uncontrollable urge to log onto a social networking site and a feeling of restlessness when not able to use it. If you are suffering from this problem, you should take a break from social media for at least one day each week.
