If you find yourself spending a lot of time on social media in the day, you’re not alone! Although social media can be a great platform for advertising business, socialising with friends and family it can also have a dark side too.
Some people may just enjoy spending some time on social media whereas others might not realise they are addicted to it… although if being away from your phone or without internet makes you feel anxious then this is more likely that you have a social media addiction.
This can have a huge impact on your mental health. It is known to lead to depression, anxiety and loneliness. Social media can promote negative thoughts like feeling as though your life or appearance should be different, when it shouldn’t make you feel like that!
These are some signs of addiction to social media:
- The first thing you do in the morning is check social media – for some people this may be a habit but for others it may be an addiction.
- You check social media during the workday – this can be distracting if you keep checking your phone whilst trying to complete work.
- You are anxious when you cannot check it – it is important to not have to think about checking social media sites whilst not on your phone, if you practise this it will become easier over time.
- You think you heard a notification when you didn’t – this can show that you are so addicted to social media that your mind is imagining receiving a notification.
- It is the only way you connect with your friends – only connecting over social media means you are missing out on social interaction and real-life activities!
- You spend a lot of time overthinking and planning your posts – if this is something you do, it is not only taking up a lot of your time but also much of your headspace. This is also not good for your mental health, therefore take breaks and allow yourself time to be alone with your thoughts.
It is no secret that we can all be a bit too reliant on social media, and with another lockdown in place, this has only exaggerated many people’s addiction. Whilst it is a good way to stay in contact with people we are unable to see, it has also begun to take over our lives. So, when the world begins to open up again, we should be encouraged to spend more time outside with loved ones. The hours spent on social media should decrease and therefore affecting less people’s mental health.
Something that has become popular over the last few years is social media detox, this is where people that are addicted to social media took measures into their own hands and limited their access to different platforms. This is important so that you don’t get too engrossed with being online all the time… and maybe something you feel like you should try! Check out my other blog on too much screen time for my top tips.