Could you be addicted to social media?

All about social media addiction.

A social media addict is best described as someone who has a compulsion to continuously be on the internet using networks like Facebook and Twitter to excess. Research has shown that excessive use of the internet to be on the social sites may become a harmful habit which can interfere with relationships, work, or studies, in a big way.

A study conducted at the University of Chicago, revealed that those deprived of their internet access, suffered cravings almost as severe as those withdrawing from alcohol or cigarettes. Folk with the worst symptoms were considered to be addicted to the internet, and social media in particular.

To date, there is no medical consensus that addiction to social media networking is an actual mental disorder. However, the behaviours associated with the problem has lately become a major subject for discussion – and much further research may prove that it could be a psychological issue.

Some signs of social media addiction.

Here is a list of symptoms which can help you to decide whether or not you are a compulsive user of social media networks.

·      You log onto social media sites first thing in the morning and log off last thing at night.

·      You spend a great deal of time planning how to use Facebook, and are constantly preoccupied by an immediate need to share or comment. 

·      Those who suffer from an addiction are poor judges regarding what is, or is not, appropriate to post on social media sites. This can lead to problems with other users.

·      Do you often find that you cannot do anything, even going to a coffee shop, or perhaps being in a specific place, without getting the urge to share it online?

·      You sometimes use social media as a means to temporarily escape from your problems.

·      When you out with friends you log into social media every now and then just to check updates, even though you realise that it is annoying your companions.

·      Should you be in an area where there is no network, you begin to feel anxious and depressed when you cannot access the internet.

·      Excessive use of Facebook and other such sites has a negative impact on your face to face relationships, and you start to feel more comfortable socialising online instead of in the real world.

·      Finding that you are highly anxious or nervous due to comparing self to others and not measuring up.

·   A deep fear of missing out and not being accepted or a fear of being rejected by peers, friends and family

If you can relate to any of these symptoms, then the chances are you may be addicted to social media and internet use.

 

 

Treatment for social media addiction.

Numerous studies have shown that this addiction is often of an emotional nature. Before any sort of recovery can take place, the sufferer must first acknowledge that there actually is a problem. Being in denial will definitely will absolutely not help to initiate any process of recovery.

The next step is to make, and stick to a schedule for checking social media posts and updates. Your digital diet must be restricted, just the same as if you were obese and on a food restricted diet. 

If you are serious about recovering from social media addiction, try and find other means of communicating with friends and family, like a telephone call, a home-visit, or meeting for coffee.

These are simple steps you can take to get the process going.

 

How hypnosis, or hypnotherapy, can help.

The US Centre for Internet Addiction and Recovery has recommended that the best and surest way to handle addiction is through hypnosis. They agree that many addictions, including internet and social media addiction, are often rooted in emotional issues.

Research has proved that any addiction or emotional problems can be resolved with hypnosis. Hypnotherapy can help you get relief from stress and anxiety relating to your addiction.

Your overwhelming compulsion to always be on social media networks may be preventing you from living and enjoying your life to the fullest. 

 Take action - you deserve to live well – because you can!