Social Media Addiction?

 

I found this an interesting subject due to the fact this week we are centered on the media. There was a lot of mention of how the media affects peoples health, self-perception, and social status so I thought to myself could this be an addiction? The only (non-substance related) behavioral disorder listed in the new DSM-V is gambling addiction. This is because there is not yet enough scientific evidence to show that they truly are an addiction or disorder. So as of yet we do not classify internet or social media overuse an addiction or a disorder. But many psychologist believe that it fits under the criteria of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Either way it is something that has shown increasing popularity with the media enough to be considered a definite issue. What has spurred increasing interest has been the growing popularity with such social media starting with Myspace and now such social media sites as Facebook and Twitter.

The big question is why do people seem to get so hooked on social media and why do they feel the need to keep buried in their smart phones and computer screens on these sites? Some statistics have shown that people spend more than three plus hours a day on social media sites and seemly much more in some cases. Some psychologists believe that people who spend such a significant amount of time on social media are trying to fill a psychological void that they are lacking in their normal lives. Is it that we are for some reason lacking a connection or intimacy in our relationships that somehow is being or is trying to be met through social media?  Another hypothesis given for the compulsion to use social media is given by Dr. David Greenfield, the director of the Center of internet and technology addiction which he notes that “social media is the first time in human history where we have the opportunity to broadcast to everyone on the planet.” Which he describes can be very intoxicating and pleasurable experience. Although the internet and social media is not considered an addiction currently I could see how replacing it for a substance in the DSM-V  how many of the criterion could be met with the over use of social media. Lets take look at them:

The DSM-5 defines a substance use disorder as the presence of at least 2 of 11 criteria, which are clustered in four groups:

1. Impaired control: (1) taking more or for longer than intended, (2) unsuccessful efforts to stop or cut down use, (3) spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from use, (4) craving for substance.
2. Social impairment: (5) failure to fulfill major obligations due to use, (6) continued use despite problems caused or exacerbated by use, (7) important activities given up or reduced because of substance use.
3. Risky use: (8) recurrent use in hazardous situations, (9) continued use despite physical or psychological problems that are caused or exacerbated by substance use.
4. Pharmacologic dependence: (10) tolerance to effects of the substance, (11) withdrawal symptoms when not using or using less.*

Although it could not meet all of these because of it being a behavior and not a substance it does make one wonder. On the obsessive compulsive side of the social media as a possible disorder argument it does seem that people who over use social media obsess over viewing it and it is a very anxiety relieving activity to check on there “choice of site”. Either side of the argument you want to be on it is somewhat scary that our society is so drawn to it seemingly many times over normal social interaction. I don’t think that we will begin opening social media treatment centers anytime soon but if you do feel you use social media excessively and you see it as causing some sort of negative issues you may need to take some necessary steps. It is suggested to build support and let others know this is causing an issue, find other activities that replace the time on social media, and limit times to curtail social media use. If all else fails you may need to go the complete abstinence route and get rid of those accounts!

Rhea, D. (2009, Nov 24). Social media magnifies internet addiction. Journal Record Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/259556501?accountid=13158

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed.). Washington, DC:  Author.

 

 

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