What is Social media addiction?

Whether you use social media to connect with friends and loved ones, watch videos, or "kill time," the popularity of this pastime has increased significantly over the last decade.

                                                                         This is especially the case in children and teenagers, as well as young to middle-aged adults.

                                                                              So, how does a seemingly harmless hobby turn into an  "ADDICTION"?     

Like other types of behavioral addictions, using social media can influence your brain in harmful ways. You may use social media compulsively and excessively. You can become so accustomed to scrolling through posts, images, and videos that it interferes with other areas of your life.

Some experts estimate upto 10% of people in the United States have social media addiction. However, due to how common social media use is generally, the number of social media addictions may be higher.

Not everyone who uses social media will develop an addiction. Since the activity is becoming more accessible to more people, more people may develop an addiction to social media at some point in their lives.

Why Is Social Media So Addicting?

While social media can seem like mindless and relaxing fun, it actually has a significant effect on your brain.

Whenever you log on to your favorite apps, DOPAMINE SIGNALS into your brain increase. These neurotransmitters are associated with pleasure. When you experience more dopamine after using social media, your brain identifies this activity as a rewarding one that u ought to repeat. Such a reaction may be more felt whenever you make a post and gain positive feedback.

The positive feelings experienced by social media users are only temporary. The way your brain engages in this positive reinforcement is also seen in other addictions.

In some cases, social media can be a welcome distraction if you're isolated due to work or an illness. The more you engage, the more your brain will tell you that this activity can help reduce loneliness.

How Do You Know If You Have Social Media Addiction? 

 A mental health professional can help you determine whether you truly have a social media addiction or really enjoy using it a lot.

 But there are few key differences between social media addiction and ahabit that you enjoy. These include:   

• negative effects to your job or schoolwork due to overuse of social media 
• increased use during other activities, such as hanging out with friends and family, or while eating
• restlessness and irritability whenever you're not using social media
• anger whenever social media usage is reduced

thinking about social media whenever you aren't using it,so much so that it's the first thing you turn to whenever you have the opportunity 

 How Can You Decrease Social Media Use?

      consider the following tips to help you achieve a healthier balance with social media:

• Delete your social media app from your smartphone. while you can still access them from your personal computer, keeping them off your  phone may help decrease the amount of time spent on social media overall

• Turn off your personal phone during work and school, meals, and recreational activities. You can adjust the setting on each social media app to turn off certain notifications.
• Leave your phone, tablet out of your bedroom.