By Donna Groves, MA, LMFT — EMDR and CBT therapist specializing in trauma, CPTSD, and addiction recovery
How many times an hour do you check your phone? According to the National Institutes of Health, excessive use of social media, or social media addiction has become accepted as a type of behavioral addiction. Addiction is understood as an out-of-control behavior that causes damage to our lives and, often, our health. For instance, many people find themselves neglecting important tasks and relationships due to excessive time spent on social media. A mother may ignore her child while scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, work gets neglected, and close relationships suffer. Addiction to social media is treatable, and you can take back control of your life.
The unintended downside of social media
Social media was designed to connect people and provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. However, it has also become a space for arguments, negative expressions, and online bullying. Young people, in particular, are especially vulnerable to this form of harassment, which can have serious consequences for their mental health due to the widespread and often relentless nature of the abuse.
It’s not just young people whose mental health has been negatively affected by social media use. For many people, the use of social media triggers sadness and feelings of loneliness. It can cause us to compare ourselves to unrealistic portrayals of other people’s lives, making us feel anxious and sad. If we are already suffering from low self-esteem, constant social media use can make us feel worse.
Criteria for addiction
Researchers have discovered some people display behaviors that match the addictive criteria of any substance or behavior. Signs of social media addiction include:
- The use affects mood (in a positive or negative way)
- Causes neglect of personal life
- Causes mental preoccupation
- Using it as an escape
- Threatens your performance at work
- Concealing the behavior
If you are struggling with social media addiction, it is important to understand that help is available. Therapy can help you uncover the core reasons for the difficulties you are dealing with. It is possible to feel better and take back control of your life.
Therapy in Los Angeles
Donna Groves, MA, LMFT, is a therapist and life coach in Los Angeles. She is within traveling distance from Malibu and Santa Monica. Donna works with people struggling with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more, in-office and online.
If you would like to learn more, you are welcome to arrange a complimentary consultation or appointment by calling or filling out the contact form and click Send.
By Donna Groves, MA, LMFT
She specializes in trauma, CPTSD, addiction, and anxiety, integrating evidence-based and depth-oriented therapies to support lasting emotional and relational change.