Social media has become quite prominent in recent years. Before the rise of smartphones, social networks were limited to niche websites. However, with the ubiquity of smartphones and their apps, the use of social media has become incredibly common. In fact, social media use has become so common that there are people who can make a very lucrative career out of it.
People use social media for many things, not just to make a career out of it. However, while social media can have numerous upsides, some people can spend too much time on social media. In some cases, the use of social media can become a behavioural addiction.
Liberty Home’s treatment options are divided between two centres, each focusing on different parts of the recovery journey. Our options to treat internet addiction include:
At our primary treatment centre in Cape Town, South Africa, patients will receive intensive care. The staff at this facility is available 24/7, ensuring that patients get continuous support. Another feature of this centre is that internet access is limited to designated tech slots, which can greatly limit a patient’s social media usage.
Liberty Home provides comprehensive treatment for process addictions such as social media addiction. Our treatment can include some of the following:
Social media addiction is a behavioural addiction that is characterised by excessive social media use. Like other forms of addiction, a person who struggles with social media addiction will be almost entirely preoccupied with using social media.
The most telling symptom of a social media addiction is if someone spends excessive amounts of time on social media. This doesn’t just mean spending a lot of time posting but also scrolling. People who have social media addiction can also spend a lot of time checking their posts. They may obsess over the number of likes, comments, or shares that their posts get.
People who are addicted to social media may also spend inordinate amounts of time planning their posts and perfecting their content before uploading it.
Another symptom of social media addiction is that a person may struggle with withdrawal symptoms if they are unable to use social media.
There are a number of reasons that can cause a person to spend excessive amounts of time on social media platforms. One reason that it is easy to develop an addiction to social is how easily available social media apps are.
These apps can be easily downloaded onto a smartphone, and their use has become ubiquitous enough that it is hard to function in everyday society without one.
Another reason for social media addiction is that platforms use algorithms to keep users engaged. These algorithms show users content that they’ll likely enjoy and engage with, making it hard for users to control their time spent on social media.
A person’s mental health can also cause them to use social media excessively. People can use social media as a source of validation. They may turn to social media to find a sense of community, with some forming parasocial relationships with the people they follow.
Excessive social media use can have a number of consequences. Socially, it can make a person more isolated. A person can be so focused on their online presence that they may neglect spending time with real-life loved ones.
Another consequence is that a person can spend quite a lot of money on their addiction. Some people can pay for followers or engagement on social media. Others can spend money trying to create content, either buying new equipment, going on trips so they can take pictures, or just buying things so they can do ‘haul’ videos.
Blue light, which is the light that is emitted from phone and tablet screens, can also affect a person’s sleep patterns. Checking social media before bed can lead to difficulty sleeping and insomnia if it becomes a habit.
Speaking of blue light, it can also cause eye strain. Staring at screens for extended periods of time can lead to eye discomfort and long-term vision problems. It should also be noted that blue light lenses will not help in this regard and the only way to prevent eye strain from blue light is to reduce time staring at screens.
The consequences of social media addiction can also include mental health troubles such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Many people who have a social media addiction can end up having their self-esteem entirely dependent on how much engagement their posts get. They can also become anxious as to how well a post performs on a platform.
It can also lead to depression as users may compare themselves to influencers who are in the best shape and always going on shopping sprees or exotic vacations. This can cause them to feel inadequate, which can lead to depression and self-esteem issues.
There are also privacy concerns with regards a person’s relationship with social media. Beyond the urge to post everything, including a location, social media platforms are no immune from being hacked or from selling their user’s data. While hacks are quite rare, it’s not uncommon for platforms to sell user data to advertisers, especially if the platform doesn’t cost anything to use.
Being dependent on social media can be challenging. It can be hard not to pick up your phone and scroll through your apps. Social media has the potential to be a force for good, but it has just as much potential for harm.
But that potential for harm can be mitigated. With the proper treatment, a person suffering from social media addiction can overcome their excessive social media usage and develop healthier online habits. We at Liberty Home want to give you that treatment and support.
No, Liberty Home Clinic does not offer detox services. They work with institutions that provide medical detox.
The clinic uses the Minnesota model (12-steps) of CBT and DBT.
Treatment duration is a minimum of 28 days and can extend up to 8 weeks in primary care.
Anyone can be susceptible to social media addiction. That said, teenagers and young adults are the people who are at risk for social media addiction. Many people in these age groups can feel compelled to use social media despite consequences because of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
The main difference is dependence. A person with a social media addiction will be dependent on being able to use social media and may go through withdrawal if they’re unable to log on or check their posts.
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