Why Are We So Addicted to Social Media?

If you've ever opened Instagram or TikTok just to take a quick look and then found yourself scrolling for hours, know that this isn't by chance. Social media platforms are designed to keep us engaged for as long as possible. But why are they so addictive? Let's explore this.

The Brain's Trick: Dopamine

Each like, comment, or notification we receive triggers the release of dopamine, the so-called "reward hormone." It's as if our brain says, "This feels good; I want more!" This sensation is similar to what we experience when eating junk food or receiving a compliment, and it's precisely what makes us return to social media repeatedly.

Social media platforms capitalize on this by incorporating colorful notifications, attention-grabbing sounds, and infinite feeds to keep you glued to the screen. The more you interact, the more dopamine is released, creating a cycle that's hard to break.

Fear of Missing Out: The Notorious FOMO

Have you heard of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? It's that feeling that if you don't check your social media, you'll miss out on something new. This constant fear keeps us scrolling through feeds, even when we don't feel like it, just to stay updated.

Social media platforms often showcase the highlights of people's lives: parties, trips, achievements. This can lead to comparisons and the sense that you're not truly living, which further increases the desire to stay connected all the time.

The Infinite Feed

Unlike a book or a movie, social media never ends. You can scroll indefinitely, always finding something new: a photo, a video, a news story... This desire to see what's next keeps the brain craving more, and before you know it, you've spent much more time than intended.

This design is intentional. Tech companies invest in research to maximize the time users spend on their platforms, using design and algorithms to make feeds irresistible. Each scroll brings a new "reward," making it challenging to break free from the habit.

Tips for Using Social Media Healthily

Set Limits: Use apps that monitor your time on social media. This way, you know when it's time to stop.

Disable Unnecessary Notifications: Notifications constantly grab your attention. Turn off those that aren't important and choose specific times to check your phone. This reduces the pressure to always stay updated.

Establish Phone-Free Times: Before bed, during meals, or while studying or working, set your phone aside. This helps you focus on what you're doing.

Follow Only Beneficial Profiles: Curate the content you consume. Follow people and pages that add value, and avoid profiles that lead to comparison or anxiety. Remember, you control what appears in your feed.

Engage in Offline Activities: Replace screen time with activities away from your phone, like reading, walking, or spending time with friends. Explore hobbies that bring you joy and satisfaction, such as painting, cooking, or sports. This reduces dependence on social media.

What to Do If You Feel Addicted

If you notice that social media is affecting your mental health, seek psychological help. Talking to a therapist can be a crucial step in understanding the reasons behind excessive use and how to reduce dependency.

You might also consider taking a break from social media for a few days or weeks to realize that life encompasses much more than just online interactions.

The key is to use social media consciously, set boundaries, and prioritize what's truly important.

By understanding what makes social media so addictive, you can better control how and how much you use it. Why not start today?

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About the Author

Marcela Batista. I love reading, writing, listening to music, exercising physically and mentally, and I love learning and debating about human behavior and mental health.