Addiction

Addiction is a serious problem caused by excessive use of social media. Because of this addiction, people can become more emotionally unstable, less likely to go to sleep at a reasonable time, and more likely to be unable to focus during classes. Here are some of the causes for why people get addicted to social media and ways to help prevent them.

1. Dopamine Release:

Reward System Activation: Social media platforms are designed to trigger the brain's reward system by releasing dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, whenever users receive likes, comments, or shares. This creates a pleasurable sensation that users want to repeat, leading to habitual checking and prolonged use.

2. Variable Rewards:

Unpredictable Outcomes: The unpredictable nature of social media rewards (e.g., an unexpected comment or a sudden increase in likes) enhances addictive behavior. This variability is similar to gambling and keeps users engaged and coming back for more.

3. Social Validation:

Need for Approval: Social media provides a platform for social validation, where users seek approval and affirmation from their peers. The constant pursuit of positive feedback can drive compulsive use, as users become fixated on maintaining a certain image and receiving continuous affirmation.

Here are some ways you can avoid an addiction:

1. Avoid caring about social numbers.
Social numbers such as subscribers, followers, likes, and such don't matter. They are almost meaningless and should not be prioritized over relationships and the health of yourself and your family.

2. Avoid games or websites with gambling as a core mechanic.
Games like these tend not to have purpose or real enjoyment outside of getting a large number. Playing games like these will not give you brownie points with your friends or social points in whatever media you are using. Those types of games will leave you with nothing but emptiness and a large electricity bill.

3. Care more about your self image than others’ view of you.
Other people are not you. They have their own problems and their own personal perceptions of themselves. A lot of the time, you will be wasting your time to be trying to impress someone who doesn’t even have time to care. In the end, the only person (other than your family and friends) that you should care about should be you.