Social media addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by excessive, compulsive use of social networking platforms that interferes with daily life, mental health, and relationships. It involves a compulsive pattern of checking and engaging with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Snapchat, often despite negative consequences. Common signs and symptoms include spending excessive time scrolling, posting, or checking notifications; feeling anxious, irritable, or experiencing “fear of missing out” (FOMO) when offline; neglecting responsibilities such as work or school; comparing oneself to others, which can lead to low self-esteem; and developing sleep problems from late-night use.
Psychologically, social media addiction can create dopamine dependency, as likes, comments, and notifications activate the brain’s reward system. It often fosters comparison and validation-seeking, where self-worth becomes tied to online feedback, and can reduce attention span due to constant stimulation. Physically, it may cause eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain (“tech neck”), sleep disturbances from blue light exposure, and sedentary lifestyle effects such as weight gain and poor posture.
Several factors contribute to social media addiction, including app design features like infinite scroll and push notifications, social pressures, and underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or loneliness. To address the problem, individuals can set time limits using phone settings, turn off non-essential notifications, take digital detox days to reset habits, replace online time with offline hobbies and social interactions, and, in severe cases, seek therapy or support groups.
