If there is any doubt about the continued popularity of social media platforms, these two recent Pew Research Center polls should eliminate that. One survey shows that “In 2005, just five percent of American adults used at least one [social media] platform. By 2011 that share had risen to half of all Americans, and today 72% of the public uses some type of social media.” Another poll showed that roughly seven in ten Americans use some form of social media. Should it be any surprise that this amount of use is having negative effects on people? Would it be surprising if one of the negative effects is social media addiction?

Many people are discussing the negative effects of social media use right now. Social media CEOs are having to testify in Washington, secret documents and studies are being leaked to the public, and there is talk about adding serious regulations to how people can engage with platforms. However, these conversations often fall short of using the term “addiction.”

People often talk about how “kids are always on their phones.” They talk about how “kids would rather be online than outside.” People note that they are “hooked on their screens.” The issue with these statements is that they are spoken passively when in reality, yes, many of these kids are diagnostically psychologically addicted to social media. Yes, social media addiction is valid, and it can be extremely damaging to a young person’s well-being and future prospects.

What Exactly Are Process Addictions?

Process addictions can perhaps best be understood as disorders in which someone cannot stop performing a compulsive behavior. It’s worth noting that process addictions are wholly “non-substance” related. Probably the most recognized process addiction is gambling addiction. However, internet-related addictions are quickly superseding “traditional” gambling addictions.

Online process addictions include online gambling addiction, internet addiction, online shopping addiction, cybersex addiction, and the most prevalent process addiction among teens is social media addiction. The compulsive behaviors that drive these addictions can impede an individual’s desire to do anything other than stare at their screens. Whether they know it or not, achieving this zombie-like status is by the design of social media engineers.

Understanding Social Media Addiction

Even though social media addiction is a “non-substance” related addiction, the brain of someone with social media addiction responds to social media rewards in the same way the brain reacts to a drink or drug for someone with substance use disorder (SUD). This is because social media platforms are designed with the brain’s “reward center” in mind.

When someone receives a “like” or positive feedback on social media, this triggers the brain to release a chemical called dopamine. This chemical “rewards” the user by making them feel euphoric or excited. This is the same chemical that is released when an individual engages in alcohol or other substances.

The issue with synthetically releasing these chemicals, whether digitally or through substances, is eventually it takes more of the behavior to feel the same effects. In substance abuse, it is often called “chasing the dragon.” In social media addiction, it might as well be called “chasing the ‘like.’” When adolescents begin that compulsive behavior of needing validation on social media, this is when everything else begins to fall away. This is when social media addiction begins to take hold.

The Warning Signs of Social Media Addiction

Detecting social media addiction in adolescents is a lot more than “catching” them on their screens more than usual. Yes, excessive screen time is a part of it. However, there are many other warning signs that someone may be struggling with social media addiction. Some of the most common “red flags” of social media addiction are as follows:

  • They express feeling anxious when they do not have access to social media
  • When not on social media, they are talking about being on social media
  • They have lost interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • They are sleeping and/or eating less to spend more time on social media
  • They begin to see an academic decline due to excessive social media use
  • They are having trouble communicating with family and friends face to face
  • They allow social media conversations to affect the way they feel about themselves
  • They use social media to cope with negative emotions

If any of these warning signs exist or are beginning to manifest, Clearview highly recommends seeking professional help sooner than later.

The Negative Effects of Social Media Use on Young Women

Many people minimize the dangers of social media use on young women. This is probably because they are unaware of the legitimate long-lasting negative effects that social media can have on them.

Social media addiction can:

  • Reduce self-worth and self-esteem
  • Ruin academic trajectory
  • Create a higher risk for anxiety and depression
  • Limit creative thinking
  • Create insomnia and disordered eating
  • Foster a poor body image and cyberbullying can even lead to self-harm and suicidal ideations

It’s important not to fall into the camp of apathy when it comes to social media misuse and abuse. Yes, social media addiction is valid, and its prevalence is only growing among young people. Social media companies are trying to make a buck by making kids sick and holding them back from their potential. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we aim to break that hold and get them moving forward on the path to a healthy and loving reality.

Though it is often minimized, social media disorder is a very real and recognized mental health disorder. It is also very prevalent in the adolescent female population. It can negatively affect every aspect of their healthy day-to-day lives. This disorder can affect their academic achievement and development, create a negative body image, and reduce self-esteem and self-worth. It can lead to communication problems at home. It can even lead to other comorbidities of mental health. If you feel like your daughter may have or be developing social media disorder, we can help. For more information on social media disorder and other issues of adolescent addiction and mental health, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.