Therapy for Behavioral Addiction to Social Media

Social media addiction is a term voiced by the general population to describe unhealthy behaviors relating to an individual’s use of social media. In recognizing these unhealthy behaviors (or signs) you may come to understand that therapeutic intervention is needed. If you exhibit a combination of three or more of the following, it’s time for a conversation:

 

• Less than an hour (often sooner) goes by without giving in to the uncontrollable urge to check one your social media profiles.
• You get irritable, restless, or anxious when you are not able to get online and check social media.
• You feel unsettled when there is no access to the internet, if one of your social networks is down, or functions slower than usual.
• You use your phone to access social media when not safe or appropriate, such as when operating a motor vehicle.
• You prefer to communicate with friends and family through social media apps rather than in-person.
• You have an uncontrollable urge to share everyday things all the time, on social media.
• You often feel that the lives of those you follow online are generally better than yours, based upon the curated content they share.
• You go on social media as a means to cope with and escape negative feelings.
• You have attempted to control or cut down on usage without success.
• You have lied to loved ones about being on social media when you have indicated that you are going to take a break.
• You feel sad or depressed when not getting engagement (likes, comments, or shares).