Is social media controlling your mind and taking over your life? As this article points out, social media has almost “become an extra organ in our bodies; it is something we have a hard time living without.” And while phones have been around for a long time, it wasn’t until social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat came along that the world of digital addiction began.
What many people don’t realize is that social media algorithms are designed to be addictive. They manipulate what people see in order to keep them addicted to “liking” and scrolling through ads and content. These platforms track users and know how to keep each one engaged and feeling good.
Let’s look at some of the ways that social media is already controlling your life and potentially leading to a technology addiction in Princeton NJ.
Mindless Scrolling
Do you ever feel that you can’t get off social media because you haven’t seen the last post? Social media has endless posts and stories, so no matter how long you scroll, you’ll never see it all. Even if you get bored with an app, you can quickly jump onto a different one.
Endless scrolling may not appear to have that many consequences, but it can actually be quite damaging. You can easily lose track of time, decrease your productivity and limit your attention span. Plus, when you’re on social media, you’re not spending quality, face-to-face time with your peers.
Frequent Interruptions
Social media has made it difficult to live in the moment and enjoy our surroundings. According to an article from Business Insider, the average person picks up their phone 2,617 times a day!
While it’s nice to have the option to stay connected, social media also has you on the edge of your seat all the time. These constant interruptions can cause you to be disconnected from your surroundings and other people.
Social Insecurity
Another thing that can lead to technology addiction in NJ is the “point” or “like” system that social media thrives off. A “like” is equal to someone’s acknowledgement. It’s a way for us to feel good about ourselves and the things we’re doing in our lives.
However, this point system can very quickly affect how you perceive yourself, leading to social insecurities. For instance, you may delete photos that have a few number of likes or obsess over who is liking your posts. This takes away from going out and enjoying life!
Image Problems
Most people show their best sides on social media. What ends up happening is that we compare our real selves to what we’re seeing online, and this can make us feel inadequate. And sadly, some people feel the need to change their looks or their lives to match the pictures they see online.
While it’s natural to care about how others view you, it’s most important that you are happy with yourself. If you’re struggling with your self image, it’s likely due to low self-esteem. Don’t use social media to validate your purpose – get out into the world and help others!
Do you feel that social media is slowly taking over your life? CTRLCare Behavioral Health offers therapy for technology addiction in New Jersey. We can help you work through your root issues and develop healthy boundaries for your technology use. Contact our admissions department today!
