Oh no! It happened again! You just checked out a notification.
- Did you just spent another hour on social media?
- Did you mindlessly doom scroll until losing track of time?
- Did you like and comment instead of working?
You have to face the grim reality: it’s an addiction!
Are you addicted to social media?
I am probably addicted to social media! How about you?
- Can you ignore social media notifications?
- Can you stop using it at any time?
- Can you live without it for a week?
I warn you: do not follow in my footsteps. Why?
- You may end up broke
- you may become anxious and depressed
- you may lose touch with real life.
Why do people stare into screens and click all day to make Mark Zuckerberg rich?
Why people get addicted to social media
Social media algorithms and interfaces are specifically designed to keep you hooked and siphon off your attention!
What does this mean in plain English?
Here are some very common reasons you can’t live without social media anymore:
Social media is surprising.
It’s like your mom giving you a present.
She knows what websites you like and you just say “some sweets” without knowing what kind of.
Without really voicing your wishes you end up getting a new type of chocolate!
On top of that it’s one you never tasted before but that’s more delicious than others.
The more surprising on downright blandish the content you see the stronger your reactions.
Thus social media content is often exaggerated or even fake.
The more bizarre and provocative content spreads virally.
Social media is about socializing.
Aren’t we all social creatures? No wo/man is an island.
You get to know many like minded people on social media in just a few weeks.
You can also stay in touch with existing acquaintances, friends and even family you can’t meet in real life.
Hello? That’s what Facebook was initially invented for.
Yet we also risk less as we do not have to show up in person.
We can create an idealized version of ourselves featuring just the best moments on our profile.
We socialize using a persona and almost never meet people in real life from our online circles.
It’s good for fun and for work.
When you want to see or discover new art you check out art.
In case you want to read the latest business news… take a guess.
You can find those on social media as well.
Yet we tend to use social media to distract ourselves from work.
It’s very hard to stay disciplined and not get sidetracked with some funny vid.
It’s international.
Ever wondered what people from Europe, India or Australia would recommend to you?
Now you can ask them directly or just follow them.
You can connect to like-minded individuals all over the world.
Yet those connections stay shallow and safe. Why?
There is no risk a sin showing your authentic self.
You can ghost someone any time too.
There is no accountability. You can get lost in superficiality that way.
The people you can talk to live too far away to visit you.
It’s high quality relevant content.
You just follow the people who cover the topics you prefer.
You “don’t believe in climate change” and live in the mountains?
Just ignore it!
This way we tend to create a perfect feel good filter bubble that reinforces our cognitive biases.
We get served more of what we like and less of what we’d rather not see.
We increasingly live in a pink Barbie type of fantasy.
It’s about sharing and commenting.
People share the knowledge without asking for something in return!
Also you can comment and help others by adding your experiences!
Most people love to help others.
Yet others just comment to get attention. They are often trolls using rage bait.
Some even make money that way by harvesting attention.
It’s easy to use.
Scroll, scroll, scroll.
Click, click, click, click, click, click.
Or tap, tap, tap, swipe, swipe, swipe and another day is gone!
Another beautiful day spent on the Internet! Just like that.
Yet you were online without even visiting some actual websites beyond Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! Damn!
It’s made to be use so that you can do it even when you’re lazy and procrastinate.
I often catch myself using social media instead of the actual task I should do.
It’s like a game.
The concept of gamification is part of the social media experience for a reason.
Social media sites worked with gambling experts to ensure addictive appeal. They make you stick to it.
You get karma on Reddit or followers on X. You get fans or friends on Facebook.
Every time you get a comment, like or reaction you get a dopamine boost!
You feel important and validated.
Yet influencers with huge followings are often dirt poor despite that.
How to limit social media use?
Do you need help?
Are you desperate to get off the hook?
Start here. You may also wonder:
- Is it really a diagnosed addiction?
- Is there any therapy beyond going offline?
- Are there any self-help groups for social media addiction?
Sure there are. Just click the links in the questions themselves!
It also depends on your symptoms. Think anxiety and depression.
How to tackle social media addiction like a pro
You can deal with your social media addiction by first acknowledging it.
Here are some other quick ways to tackle the problem:
- Admit to yourself and others that you are addicted. Say it!
- Try limiting your social media time per day step by step.
- Do not look at a screen first thing in the day. Meditate or do yoga instead.
- Disable all non-essential notifications from social media.
- Give up smartphones and use a simple mobile phone instead.
- Schedule social media time like a work task on a todo list (an hour a day).
- Stop being reactive when someone attacks you. Ignore trolls.
I have to spend lots of time on social media due to my work.
For years I worked as a social media manager among others.
I had to implement most of the above already. That way I got my sanity back.
Yet addiction creeps back in when I get tired or frustrated.
So be cautious! Don’t get caught up on the social Web again.
Ideally give up swiping altogether.
It’s possible! I only use social media on my computer. I do not even own a smartphone since 2009.
