It is possible to form an addiction to social media, even though it is not an official disorder in the DSM-V. Still, social media addiction presents itself as a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive social media use, such as constantly checking your timeline, obsessing over what you’re going to post and doomscrolling.
Even if you do not have an addiction to social media, it’s still possible for social networking sites to make you feel lonely and depressed. If you think that you may be developing an unhealthy relationship with social media, it might be time to take a break.
Below are five signs that you should take a step back from social networking sites.
1. You can’t stop comparing yourself to others.
While it’s true that social media is a ‘highlight reel’ for many people, this shouldn’t take an emotional toll on you. Even though people don’t typically post about divorce, sadness and hardship, they are still happening, despite what people post. If you’re feeling inadequate or dissatisfied with your own life, it’s probably a good idea to take a break from social media.
2. You can’t enjoy things without posting about them.
It’s a problem when you can’t put down your phone and enjoy the things around you – a wedding, a friend coming to town, a holiday. Things escalate further when you obsess over how many likes and comments you get. If things are passing you by while you’re on the phone, you may benefit from social media therapy in Princeton NJ.
3. Your social media use is compulsive.
If you find yourself constantly pulling out your phone to scroll through social media, you could be becoming too absorbed in it. Social media has a way of being comforting to us, just like a smoke break is. But it can quickly turn into a compulsive habit that takes away from your ability to be present and enjoy the things around you. It’s recommended to keep your social media use to just 30 minutes a day.
4. You’re annoyed by what people post.
Another sign that it’s time to take a step back from social media is when you become increasingly annoyed with what people post. From oversharing to politics, it’s understandable why you might become irritated by the things you read online. But this is also a sign that social media isn’t bringing out the best in you.
5. You get anxious when you can’t check your news feed.
If you find yourself becoming anxious when you can’t check your news feed, this is a sign that you’re becoming dependent on social media. Will anything different happen if you don’t check things? No. Things will carry on as normal. However, your anxiety might be telling you otherwise, or you might obsess over missing out, a phenomenon called FOMO.
Social Media Addiction Therapy in Princeton NJ
These are five crucial signs that you should take a break from social media. If you feel that you’re unable to do this, or you’ve already tried and were unsuccessful, it’s possible that you might be dealing with a social media addiction.
CTRLCare Behavioral Health specializes in technology addiction in New Jersey. We can uncover the reasons why you’re addicted to social media and help you recover from this behavioral disorder. Many people who are addicted to social networking sites have underlying mental health problems. As a result, they use social media as their ‘escape’ tool.
Contact our admissions department to learn more about social media addiction and your options for treatment.
