Posted: March 30th, 2022

Social Networks Addiction: A Growing Problem

Social Networks Addiction: A Growing Problem

Social networks are platforms that allow people to connect, communicate, and share information online. They have become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide. However, social networks also have a dark side: they can be addictive and harmful to mental health.

According to a study by Griffiths et al. (2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online), social networks addiction is a type of behavioral addiction that involves excessive and compulsive use of social networks, resulting in negative consequences for personal, social, and professional life. Some of the symptoms of social networks addiction are:

– Spending more time on social networks than intended or needed
– Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when unable to access social networks
– Neglecting other activities or responsibilities because of social networks use
– Experiencing conflicts or problems with family, friends, or work due to social networks use
– Feeling depressed, lonely, or insecure because of social networks use
– Seeking validation, approval, or attention from others through social networks use
– Having a distorted sense of reality or self-image because of social networks use

The causes of social networks addiction are not fully understood, but some factors that may contribute to it are:

– Personality traits: Some people may have a higher tendency to develop addictive behaviors due to their genetic makeup, temperament, or psychological factors. For example, people who are impulsive, sensation-seeking, or have low self-esteem may be more prone to social networks addiction (Kuss et al., 2017).
– Social factors: Some people may use social networks as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or boredom. They may also feel pressured to conform to social norms or expectations, such as having many friends, followers, or likes. Social networks may provide a sense of belonging, support, or validation that is lacking in real life (Andreassen et al., 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online).
– Technological factors: Some features of social networks may make them more addictive and appealing, such as the ease of access, the variety of content, the interactivity, the feedback mechanisms, and the gamification elements. These features may create a cycle of reinforcement and reward that stimulates the brain’s reward system and motivates further use (Kardefelt-Winther et al., 2017).

The effects of social networks addiction can be serious and detrimental to one’s well-being. Some of the negative impacts are:

– Physical health: Social networks addiction can lead to physical problems such as eye strain, headaches, insomnia, obesity, or cardiovascular diseases. It can also increase the risk of exposure to harmful content such as cyberbullying, pornography, or violence (Alimoradi et al., 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers).
– Mental health: Social networks addiction can cause mental problems such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts. It can also impair cognitive functions such as attention, memory, or decision-making. It can also affect one’s mood, emotions, or personality (Bányai et al., 2017).
– Social relationships: Social networks addiction can damage one’s relationships with family, friends, or partners. It can cause communication problems, conflicts, mistrust, or isolation. It can also reduce one’s social skills and empathy (Elphinston & Noller, 2011).
– Academic or work performance: Social networks addiction can interfere with one’s academic or work goals and achievements. It can reduce one’s motivation, concentration, productivity, or creativity. It can also increase one’s procrastination, distraction, or errors (Chen & Peng, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online).

Social networks addiction is a growing problem that needs to be addressed and prevented. Some of the possible solutions are:

– Raising awareness: Educating people about the risks and harms of social networks addiction and promoting healthy and responsible use of technology. Providing information and resources for people who need help or support for their addiction (Griffiths et al., 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online).
– Developing self-regulation: Developing skills and strategies to manage one’s time and behavior on social networks. Setting limits and boundaries for one’s use and avoiding triggers and temptations. Seeking alternative activities and hobbies that are fulfilling and meaningful (Kuss et al., 2017).
– Seeking professional help: Seeking counseling or therapy from qualified professionals who can help one understand and overcome the underlying causes and consequences of one’s addiction. Using pharmacological or psychological interventions if necessary and appropriate (Kardefelt-Winther et al., 2017).

Social networks are not inherently bad or good; they are tools that can be used for various purposes and outcomes. However, they can also become addictive and harmful if used excessively and compulsively. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of social networks addiction and to seek help if needed.

References

Alimoradi Z., Lin C.Y., Broström A., Bülow P.H., Bajalan Z., Griffiths M.D., Ohayon M.M., Pakpour A.H. (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers). Internet addiction and sleep problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 47, 51-61.

Andreassen C.S., Pallesen S., Griffiths M.D. (2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 287-293.

Bányai F., Zsila Á., Király O., Maraz A., Elekes Z., Griffiths M.D., Andreassen C.S., Demetrovics Z. (2017). Problematic social media use: Results from a large-scale nationally representative adolescent sample. PLoS One, 12(1), e0169839.

Chen Q., Peng W. (2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). Social media use and academic performance: A meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 30(4), 961-994.

Elphinston R.A., Noller P. (2011). Time to face it! Facebook intrusion and the implications for romantic jealousy and relationship satisfaction. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 14(11), 631-635.

Griffiths M.D., Kuss D.J., Demetrovics Z. (2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). Social networking addiction: An overview of preliminary findings. In K.P. Rosenberg & L.C. Feder (Eds.), Behavioral addictions: Criteria, evidence, and treatment (pp. 119-141). Academic Press.

Kardefelt-Winther D., Heeren A., Schimmenti A., van Rooij A., Maurage P., Carras M., Edman J., Blaszczynski A., Khazaal Y., Billieux J. (2017). How can we conceptualize behavioural addiction without write my essay pathologizing common behaviours? Addiction, 112(10), 1709-1715.

Kuss D.J., Griffiths M.D., Karila L., Billieux J. (2017). Internet addiction: A systematic review of epidemiological research for the last decade. In C.V. Bryant & K.S. Peck (Eds.), Advances in psychology research (Vol. 126, pp. 73-104). Nova Science Publishers.

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