Social media is a divisive issue. While some people extol its benefits, others can only see negative repercussions and worry about the long-term damage it may cause. But why is social media bad for some users and not for others?

At Game Quitters, our expertise extends beyond video game addiction to tech overuse in general. In this article we explain 10 ways social media can cause harm.

What are the 10 negative effects of social media?

Although there are positive aspects of social media, it presents some significant risks. That’s why it’s important to know both the pros and cons of social media. So, how does social media have a negative impact on life? Here are 10 ways it can have a detrimental effect, including some negative effects of social media statistics.

1. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can include harassment (sending abusive, offensive, or threatening messages), doxing (posting someone’s private details without their consent), cyberstalking (unwanted attention that may continue offline), impersonating someone (setting up a fake account in their name), and even revenge porn (sharing sexually explicit images or video to humiliate an ex-partner) on sites like OnlyFans.

Cyberbullying can be triggered by homophobia, religion, race, or misogyny but sometimes it has more to do with the perpetrator than the person being abused. They may have been cyberbullied themselves, feel jealous of the victim, or simply get a kick from inflicting misery. Whatever the reason, the impact of cyberbullying on social media is far-reaching – it can cause emotional, psychological, and physical distress.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, online abuse is on the rise among US youth ⁴ 4. https://cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-continues-to-rise-among-youth-in-the-united-states-2023 × . A 2023 survey of 5,000 13- to 17-year-old US middle and high school students, revealed that 26.5% of respondents had been subject to cyberbullying in the past 30 days, compared to 23.2% in 2021, 17.2% in 2019, and 16.7% in 2016. The 2023 study found the most common types of cyberbullying that took place online were:

• mean or hurtful comments – 77.5%
• someone spreading malicious rumors – 70.4%
• being embarrassed or humiliated – 69.1%
• intentionally being excluded from a group activity – 66.4%
• being repeatedly contacted after telling someone to stop – 55.5%.

2. Age-inappropriate content

One of the other potential harms of social media is age-inappropriate content. Across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, children and teens can inadvertently encounter or deliberately search for content they’re not ready for developmentally. Images, videos, and other material that are directed at adults can be upsetting and disturbing for impressionable young minds. That’s why it’s important to set appropriate screen time guidelines based on age.

One of the risk factors of viewing age-inappropriate content is young people providing a false date of birth to gain access to social media platforms. A 2022 UK study by Ofcom found that 32% of 8- to 17-year-olds have a user age of 18+, after providing fake information when they initially registered ⁵ 5. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2022/a-third-of-children-have-false-social-media-age-of-18 × .

3. Withdrawal from family and friends

Although one of the positive effects of social media is connectivity, overuse can cause a disconnect with friends and family. Hours spent scrolling and posting in the online world often creates friction in real-world relationships. Parents become increasingly frustrated when their child barely looks up from the screen and is monosyllabic during interactions. And real-life friends can feel excluded when those they were close to seem distant and unavailable. Online friendships are different from fact-to-face interactions as we miss out on body language and tone of voice so messages can be misconstrued, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

In-person connection and support play an important role in child development and this can be lost when someone withdraws from friends and family. An increasing reliance on social media for connectivity and belonging can put a strain on existing relationships and make it difficult to develop new ones. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. ‘The Global State of Social Connections’ – a 2023 study by Gallup and Meta – highlights the prevalence of loneliness worldwide ⁶ 6. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/509675/state-of-social-connections.aspx × . It found that 25% of respondents aged 15 to 18 years old feel “very lonely” or “fairly lonely”. How does social media affect you socially? Does it have a positive or negative impact on your relationships?

4. Lack of interest in other activities

It’s not just friends and family who can be neglected when an individual becomes hooked on social media. They can also start to lose interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed. The pull of checking for likes, follows, and updates can become all consuming, taking up more and more hours each day. Although some people can continue to pursue their passions on social networks, it’s not always the same experience. For example, following well-known hockey players on Instagram or watching game highlights on YouTube is different from training with teammates or playing hockey in person.

With the average US teen spending 4.8 hours a day on social platforms, it’s no wonder that other hobbies and interests are taking a back seat (4). So, we’ve put together 50 best screen-free activities by age and 60+ hobby ideas to help anyone wanting to reduce their social media use get a healthier tech-life balance.

5. Physical health problems

Excessive social media use may also cause physical health problems when individuals start to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. As shown above, hours spent scrolling can replace and interfere with more active hobbies. This can cause weight gain and obesity, which have serious health implications. In fact, a study by the University of Buffalo found that social media overuse may increase the risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and lead to more frequent visits to health centers for headaches and musculoskeletal problems like back and chest pains.

It’s not just inactivity that can negatively affect physical health, excessive social media use can also adversely impact diet and sleep. Taking a break to make a healthy meal may seem like too much effort – it can be quicker and easier to grab some junk food and soda. Even stopping to get a good night’s sleep is a struggle for those who are constantly checking social media, and some people even wake in the night for an update. Over time, this will lead to severe sleep deprivation, which can affect day-to-day functioning and physical health.

6. Mental health issues

The negative effects of social media on society are not only related to physical health problems, but the rise of psychological issues is also significant. So, how does social media have a negative impact on mental health? Although it can be a lifeline for some people, who feel a sense of belonging and connection in their online communities, it can make others feel lonely and isolated. This is because it can create a false sense of true engagement. And loneliness can be a contributing factor to mental health problems such as depression. A 2023 study that examined the association between social media use and loneliness among adults found that more time spent on social media was associated with more loneliness ⁷ 7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9817115/ × .

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social media on mental health because their self-worth is often linked to approval from others. The number of likes, follows, comments, and shares they receive can have a direct (and often adverse) impact on their emotional well-being. The negative effects of social media on youth mental health can also include lower self-esteem and comparison anxiety. Most people only post the positive aspects of our lives on social media, giving an unrealistic view of reality, which can make them seem more popular, attractive, or wealthy. Having a window into their near-perfect lives can compound matters for those already feeling inadequate.

7. FOMO

As mentioned above, young people have a greater tendency to compare themselves to others on social media and this can lead to FOMO (the fear of missing out). FOMO makes some individuals feel compelled to constantly checking their social media accounts. There are numerous reasons for FOMO, including missing important posts, direct messages, live chats, and news; not knowing what others are doing or saying; annoying someone by not responding immediately; being left out of discussions, jokes, and events; and losing popularity or influence. FOMO can lead to problematic use and cause those affected to miss out on real-life relationships and activities.

8. Negative body image

There are positive and negative effects of social media on body image. Although it can celebrate diverse body shapes, promote body positivity, and offer health and fitness advice, it can also negatively impact how users view their bodies. Negative issues occur because of the idealized (and often filtered and AI) images posted on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which can lead to unhealthy comparisons and self-esteem problems for those who may not match these unrealistic beauty standards.

Research in 2023 found a link between social media, body image, and eating disorders in young people ⁸ 8. https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0001091 × . It recommended that because of on the scale of social media usage by youth, this issue should be considered an emerging global public health concern.

9. Unrealistic expectations

Let’s now look more at the negative effects of social media on self-esteem. Social media influencers – paid by brands to promote their products and services – post carefully curated content that can create unrealistic expectations. Many people fail to see the marketing ploy and instead think this portrayal of a flawless image and lifestyle is realistic. Constant comparisons can make them feel inadequate and lead to unrealistic expectations about their appearance, home, holidays, car, job, social life, etc. It can also distract users from their own choices and aspirations.

Influencers can significantly impact on their followers’ buying decisions. According to a report from Mintel, almost 50% of German and British consumers have purchased a product from an influencer they follow ⁹ 9. https://www.mintel.com/media-content-producers-market-news/impact-of-influencer-marketing-on-consumers-purchasing-journey/ × . They can also encourage their followers to purchase products and services they neither need nor can afford.

10. Social media addiction

While social media is a fun way to keep in touch with friends, stay informed, and be entertained, overconsumption can start to affect the brain. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain responsible for motivation and reward, and people who constantly scroll through social media can deplete their dopamine level, which can make them feel low, bored, and anxious. They crave more of the dopamine ‘reward’ so keep bombarding their brain with pictures, videos, memes, ads, and captions, and needing more likes, comments, and interactions to experience the same rush of pleasure.

If you’re worried that you might be affected, check out the signs and symptoms of social media addictionand find out more about Instagram addiction, Snapchat addiction, TikTok addiction, and YouTube addiction.

Need help?

If you think you’re addicted to social media, you need to decide what to do – limit it or quit. Start by identifying the different platforms that are causing issues, and consider whether you need to continue using them. Sometimes it can be a relief to remove yourself from toxic situations, or sites that are taking up too much of your time.

How to limit your social media use

If you decide to limit your social media use, think about the positive aspects of your engagement, such as staying connected with friends and family from all over the world. Then reflect on the negative side of your interactions, like having heated debates with strangers, or going down a rabbit hole of endless short videos.

Work out which platform(s) you’re going to use for which purposes, then de-activate the ones you want to leave and log out of the ones that you’re keeping. So, each time you want to check your feeds, you have to log into your accounts. This will make you consider your actions rather than impulsively reaching for your phone whenever you have a spare moment. Over time you’ll engage more mindfully with content that enhances and adds value to your life.

How to quit social media

If you want to leave social media for good, it can be a difficult journey to take alone. Read Phil’s story about why he quit social media for inspiration. If your social media problems are deep rooted, you may need professional support.

Having grown up in the digital age, today’s teens cannot imagine life without Instagram, TikTok, Discord, Snapchat, and YouTube. Even those who remember the pre-internet era, would struggle to function without many of these platforms now.

Despite its challenges, social media has many positive effects when used responsibly and in moderation – from helping us stay more connected than ever before, to providing access to communities where we feel accepted. In this article, we explore the most notable benefits of social media on our lives.

Positive effects of social media statistics

Social media is often vilified for its negative impacts but here are some statistics about the positive effect of social media on US teens:

• Young people are more likely to report that social media has pros rather than cons, according to a study by Pew Research Center ¹⁰ 10. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/24/teens-and-social-media-key-findings-from-pew-research-center-surveys/ × :
  • 58% say it helps them feel more accepted
  • 67% feel like people in their networks can support them through difficult times
  • 71% appreciate having a platform to demonstrate their creative side
  • 80% use social media to feel more connected to their friends’ lives.
• The main three positive effects of social media on teens::
  • Connections/socializing – 46%
  • Information/learning – 25%
  • Entertainment/fun – 14%

What are the 10 positive effects of social media?

Although social media can present some risks, it has multiple benefits when used responsibly. That’s why it’s important to understand the pros and cons of social media. So, how does social media help in a positive way?

1. Connectivity

As a society, we’ve never been better connected and much of that’s down to social media. Previous generations have communicated by post, phone, or in person, often sporadically. Whereas now, we can keep in touch anytime, anywhere with anyone in our social network. It’s the perfect forum to share news, photos, and videos.

As well as staying up to date with the lives of friends, family, and colleagues, social media allows us to follow the accounts of celebrities and other public figures. It can be exciting to have a window into their world, makes them more relatable, and allows direct interaction when they respond to comments. This engagement enables us to feel more connected to them.

2. Belonging

Although spending hours online may seem like a solitary activity, social media platforms are a great place to make friends. Having an online community can make us feel supported and understood, which can boost our emotional well-being.

This sense of belonging is especially important for people who struggle to make face-to-face connections, perhaps because they have social anxiety or haven’t found like-minded people in their immediate vicinity. It’s also a way for those who live in remote areas with limited access to social activities to overcome loneliness and isolation.

3. Communication

Social media has changed the way we all communicate. Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Wizz, Discord and Messenger are an increasingly popular way to stay in touch. They can be used for much more than simply sending text messages, with features such as group messaging, video chat, free calls, photo-sharing, and messages that delete after a certain time.

Many businesses use social media to communicate their products and services, with targeted ads that appeal to our specific interests and preferences. We’re also bombarded with recommendations about different brands from influencers on social media. This means we can discover and connect with many more products than ever before, wherever we live in the world.

Social media is very useful in emergency situations when important public safety information can be posted to a mass audience. It was a vital communication tool used by governments and public health authorities around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide regular updates.

4. Awareness

Another of the positive effects of social media on society is raising awareness and influencing people. It can be a powerful tool for shining the spotlight on social problems, political issues, charitable causes, and other important campaigns. In fact, 31% of Americans say social media is very effective in raising awareness about political or social issues, and 49% believe it is somewhat effective ¹¹ 11. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/09/09/americans-think-social-media-can-help-build-movements-but-can-also-be-a-distraction/ × .

When harnessed successfully, social media can reach new audiences, encourage dialogue, mobilize support, and drive change.

5. Accessibility

Social media companies have invested considerable time and money to make their platforms accessible to the widest possible audience, including people who have sight, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities.  As a result, many social platforms have accessibility features including:

• alternative text (alt text) that provides an audio description for blind and partially sighted users
• automated video captions for deaf people and those with hearing loss
• information written in plain English to make content more accessible to individuals with cognitive disabilities
• consistent and predictable navigation to help people who have physical or motor disabilities.

6. Inclusivity

Have you ever wondered, “How does social media have a positive impact on life?” One of the major advantages is that social media is a platform for everyone, irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other identity. It provides a forum for previously marginalised voices to be championed and heard.

And social media isn’t just a space for people with similar backgrounds and preferences to communicate and connect. Brands that advertise on social media are also becoming more aware of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their content and campaigns.

7. Information

While the internet gives us instant access to a world of information, social media offers much more than a one-way experience. It allows us to interact, share, and engage with information that interests us by joining groups and discussions across different platforms.

For many of us social media also plays an important role in how we access news. Gone are the days when the information we received about local, national, and global events was controlled by media outlets, many of which have their own agenda and political allegiances. Thanks to social media, our feeds are now packed with information, insights, and opinions shared by ordinary people from diverse backgrounds.

8. Learning

Although many parents feel frustrated by the amount of time their kids spend on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc., there are positive effects of social media on youth. One of them is the many learning opportunities available on these platforms. For example, the American Museum of Natural History regularly posts interesting facts about its collection, and NASA shares information about its people, programs, and missions.

Many universities use social media platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Groups, and Instagram Live to stream lectures. Not only does this make learning more accessible, but it also allows these live streams to be recorded and captions added. Having subtitles can help non-native speakers and students who are deaf or have hearing loss fully understand the content, and re-watching lectures can help all learners revise for exams.

It’s not just young people who can benefit from the impact of social media on learning. People of all ages can access information, webinars, events, and courses on a wide range of topics. The interactive nature of social media means it’s easy to ask questions to engage further with the subject matter.

9. Entertainment

Social media has transformed the way we’re entertained by giving a platform to millions of people rather than a select few who get a record label or make it onto our TV and movie screens. Using platforms like TikTok and YouTube, anyone with a skill or talent can showcase their work and reach large audiences, especially if the content goes viral.

Gaming has always been a social activity, particularly massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, but social media has taken it to a different level. The entertainment aspect of gaming now extends far beyond simply playing video games. On platforms like Twitch, Kick and YouTube, players can keep up with the latest gaming news, watch live game streams, and connect with other gamers to share tactics and experiences.

10. Mental health

Social media often gets a bad press when it comes to our emotional well-being, but there are positive effects of social media on mental health. It can reduce loneliness, provide a sense of belonging, and improve our self-worth. The way that others engage with our social media content (via likes, favorites, comments, shares, retweets, mentions, etc) can make us feel happy and valued, which demonstrates the positive effects of social media on self-esteem.

Despite reports of negative effects of social media, such as people getting depressed and anxious when comparing themselves to others online, there are positive effects of social media on body image. In the past magazines, advertisements, TV, movies, etc. featured glamourous models and actors, whereas social media gives us access to people of all shapes and sizes.

Need help?

Despite the many benefits of social media outlined above, it’s important to recognize that there are also negative effects, including social media addiction.

If you or a loved one are concerned about your social media use, try reducing your screen time, switching off notifications, or finding other hobbies and interests. However, if your urge to constantly scroll is deep rooted, you may need professional support.

At Game Quitters, our coaching programs are designed to help individuals and families have a healthier and more balanced relationship with technology.

Scrolling through social media is one of our favorite pastimes. There are currently 4.89 billion social media users globally, which represents more than 60% of the world’s population, and this is projected to reach almost 6 billion in 2027.

However, despite its popularity, social media is highly controversial. Those whose loved ones lives are consumed by TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitch, Kick and other popular platforms will argue that the cons outweigh the pros, while those who avidly use social media will say the opposite.

Objectively, there are tangible benefits of social media when it’s used responsibly. But there are also negative impacts that cannot be ignored. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?

This article looks at how social media affects society. We explore the pros and cons of social media to help you and your family harness the positive aspects and try to minimize the potential harms.

Pros of social media

Let’s start with some of the main pros of social media. Many people will advocate that it’s a force for good and has brought numerous benefits to society. They believe that it can positively impact mental health and well-being when used in moderation.

Here are some of the main ways that social media can enhance our lives:

Increased connectivity

A key advantage of social media is increased connectivity. It allows people to stay in touch with friends and family from all over the world, regardless of distance or time zone. Through different social platforms, they can maintain close contact by sending messages, sharing photos, and using video chat apps.

Social media is also good for connecting people with similar views and interests. It enables them to easily communicate, share content, and discuss ideas. For individuals with niche hobbies, it’s a way to find likeminded people in other cities, states, and countries. Having a close-knit community can foster a sense of acceptance and belonging.

This connectivity was particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic because it was a safe way to communicate when lockdown measures were in place. By enabling relationships to stay strong even when we were unable to meet up physically, it became important for the mental health of many people globally.

Mass communication

Social media is the most popular news source for 18 to 34-year-olds in the US – 47% use social platforms to get their daily news ¹² 12. https://www.statista.com/statistics/717651/most-popular-news-platforms/ × . It can be a reliable source of information, but fake news is an ever-present risk.

Information can be posted in real time on social media. So, we get access to news as it happens – often from eyewitnesses – sometimes before traditional news outlets can cover it. Following other people’s reactions to news and information also draws people to social networks to really get under the skin of a story.

Another benefit is that social media can be used to communicate and discuss topics that aren’t covered by mainstream media – possibly because they’re too niche or controversial. Those who want a platform to share and seek views with likeminded people now have a space to do so.

Knowledge and learning

There are pros and cons of social media for students but one of the main advantages is learning opportunities. Children and young people can build up knowledge on a broad range of subjects in an interactive way. With different views and perspectives shared across multiple platforms. they can engage with issues and have their voices heard.

As most social media platforms have a global reach, there are no geographical barriers to learning. Anyone of any age can access online courses, webinars, tutorials, and training programs delivered by experts to learn new skills and broaden their understanding of the world. Plus, many educational institutions share valuable insights on social media, which can give students access to information and resources beyond the walls of their school or college.

Inclusivity

People with disabilities sometimes feel isolated, but social media can provide valuable support outside their immediate community. It can break down physical barriers and allow those with disabilities to communicate with others on a wide range of subjects and build a social network. .

Social media can also be a lifeline for people who feel marginalized because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender. They can easily find people who share similar backgrounds, preferences, and identities using hashtags and other search criteria. These connections can be crucial for their mental health and well-being.

Entertainment

As well as enabling groups of people to build communities, social media offers a myriad of entertainment options – memes, GIFs, videos, quizzes, puzzles, live streams, challenges, and much more. This entertainment is highly accessible because social media users already have phones, tablets, and computers, so they can view most of this content for free on platforms like Omegle, Wizz and Discord. What’s more, much of it is humorous and lighthearted, which can be a healthy distraction for anyone feeling lonely or depressed.

One of the most popular types of entertainment in the world is playing video games. And many gamers use social media to connect with other players, keep up with the latest gaming news and trends, and watch video games or live stream their own gameplay on platforms like Kick. This type of entertainment and engagement is replicated across thousands of other hobbies and interests.

Creativity

Social media allows users to express themselves creatively to a much wider audience than ever before. They can develop a platform to share their skills and talents via carefully curated messages, photos, and videos. For example, many people have successfully built a huge following on social networks like TikTok where their posts reach thousands, or sometimes millions, of people.

As well as using social media to share creative content, it’s also a great place to get inspired. Many people access social media to spark their creativity by following accounts, searching hashtags, or joining groups that relate to their hobbies and interests. There’s something for everyone from make-up tips to interior design ideas.

Cons of social media

Despite the pros of social media, there are also disadvantages that can negatively impact our quality of life – from constant distraction and disrupted sleep, to cyberbullying and addiction.

It’s important to be aware of the dangers of social media to recognize when to stop engaging with any harmful platforms, content, or people. Understanding these red flags can help us navigate social media more responsibly and prevent any problems from further escalating.

These are some of the common cons of social media:

Cyberbullying

Social media makes it easy for individuals to carry out a relentless campaign of bullying and harassment. Often, victims don’t know who’s behind the abuse, but sometimes they may suspect who could be sending them threatening, offensive, or obscene messages. Either way, it can be difficult to prove, and perpetrators are able to stay anonymous without facing any consequences. Cyberbullying can be highly traumatic and cause emotional distress, low self-esteem and, in extreme cases, self-harm and suicide.

This toxic and aggressive behavior can take various forms including:

• Discrimination – Abusing someone because of their gender, age, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other unfair or prejudicial distinction.
• Doxing – Publishing someone’s personal information online – possibly their IP address so others can help to crash it.
• Outing – Revealing a person’s sexual or gender identity without their permission.
• Trolling – Making inflammatory and antagonistic comments to provoke others into starting arguments.
• Swatting – Calling emergency services to report a fictitious crime or crisis taking place at the victim’s address.
• Hacking – Gaining access to a victim’s social media accounts to post vile and hurtful messages.
• Cyberstalking – Making persistent efforts to contact the victim, which can sometimes escalate into stalking them offline as well.

Misinformation

One of the pros of social media is mass communication, but this is also one of the cons. Unfortunately, social networks have become a breeding ground for spreading fake news to manipulate and distract users from the real story. There’s so much information pushed out on social media that users find it difficult to filter out the truth.

Misinformation is quickly and easily shared across platforms, which can lead to confusion, distrust, and division. This is exacerbated by the fact that algorithms often display content that aligns with an individual’s existing views and beliefs, which can create echo chambers. They aren’t shown diverse opinions about a subject, and this can lead to polarization. In extreme cases, the spread of false information can interfere with democratic processes and influence election results.

Mental health issues

So, is social media bad for our emotional well-being? Despite the negative press, there are pros and cons of social media on mental health. On the plus side, connecting with likeminded people can foster a sense of acceptance and belonging, as shown above. However, the cons arguably outweigh the pros for some users, and it can have a detrimental effect.

One of the main issues is that social media can present an airbrushed version of other people’s lives. Some individuals constantly compare their home, car, job, holidays, friendships, etc to this idealized lifestyle, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Another downside of social media is that users can become increasingly reliant on likes, comments, and shares to feel good about themselves. If they fail to generate enough of these it can have a negative impact on their emotional well-being.

Cyberbullying also puts a huge strain on an individual’s mental health. It’s often relentless and impossible to escape from, which can induce stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.

Lack of interest in other activities

When we look at the pros and cons of social media for youth, one of the main cons is time wasting. A 2023 survey found that more than half of US teens spend a minimum of four hours each day on social media – females 5.3 hours and males 4.4 hours ¹³ 13. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2023/10/18/gallup-teens-spend-more-time-on-social-media-than-on-homework/ × . This is time that could be spent on other activities like homework, sport, hobbies, and socializing with friends in person. The irresistible urge to scroll through social media can cause conflict at home as parents become increasingly frustrated by their child’s procrastination and lack of motivation to do anything else.

Privacy risks

Social media platforms contain personal information, which may be vulnerable to abuse by unscrupulous people. When someone sets up a social media account, they agree to the terms and conditions. This allows social media companies to collect and share data with third parties for marketing and other purposes. But there can be privacy risks from data breaches. For example, in 2022, more than 200 million email addresses were stolen from Twitter/X and published on an online hacking forum ¹⁴ 14. https://www.reuters.com/technology/twitter-hacked-200-million-user-email-addresses-leaked-researcher-says-2023-01-05/ × .

There are also privacy risks associated with what users post about themselves – name, date of birth, location, employer, pet’s name, etc. Armed with this type of information, scammers can do a lot of damage – from setting up fake social media accounts to full identity theft. There’s also the risk of burglary if people post photos and videos while on vacation. An empty house can be an open invitation for thieves, which is why some insurance companies warn against doing this.

Social media addiction

Social media addiction is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, fifth edition (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association, so the actual number of people affected globally is unknown. However, it’s estimated that 10% of Americans are addicted to social media and this may well rise as more apps and platforms are launched. But what is social media addiction and why is it happening?

The barrage of likes, comments, notifications, and reactions can be highly addictive and this is one of the reasons why social media has been described as ‘digital dopamine’. Scrolling through updates, photos, and videos can induce a similar high to drugs and alcohol. And the fear of missing out (FOMO) only exacerbates the problem as people feel obliged to constantly check what’s happening in their online world. Dedicating so much time to social media often has a negative impact on an individual’s daily life, relationships, and mental health.

If you think that you or someone you care about may have a problem, check out the warning signs of social media addiction.

Conclusion – What are the benefits and harms of social media?

As this article shows, social media is a double-edged sword. The pros and cons of social media will affect different people in different ways depending on how they engage with it. There are some positive aspects when it’s used responsibly and in moderation. However, there can also be negative effects if it’s used excessively and causes harm.

You should always be aware of the cons of social media, and if you notice the first signs of these cons developing, consider moderating your use. Read our tips for achieving a healthier balance with social media.

Need help?

If you or a loved one are unable to stop engaging with gaming content on social media and it’s causing problems, we can help.

At Game Quitters, we’re experts in screen addiction. Our specialist coaching programs are designed to allow those using devices to choose to manage their time effectively. It’s not just about gaming or using social media less – it’s about building a life you (or they) no longer need to escape from.

To find out more, get in touch to book a Gameplan Strategy Call. During the call, we’ll see if you or a loved one are a good fit for our coaching program. We have limited spots available and are unable to accept all applicants.

Millions of people around the world use social media every day but how does a seemingly harmless hobby become an addiction?

An ever-increasing array of social networking sites are available on which to post, like, comment, share or follow – from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.

While social media is a great way to connect with friends and family, watch videos and discover a world of information, for many people it can have negative repercussions including a fear of missing out (FOMO). This can make some people feel that others are leading more fun and interesting lives, which can trigger feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem that can eventually cause more serious mental health issues.

This article lifts the lid on social media addiction – what it is, how to identify it and where to get support if you, or a loved one, are struggling.

Get immediate help for you or a loved one’s social media addiction. Book a free Gameplan call now to learn if our program is the right fit for you.

What is social media addiction?

There is currently no official diagnosis of social media addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) from the American Psychiatric Association lists it as a “condition for further study”. However, compulsive social media use is widely recognized as a behavioral addiction that is becoming increasingly common and gaming disorder was officially recognized in 2019.

Unlike addiction to drugs, alcohol and nicotine, behavioral addictions do not involve a substance. However, the desire to experience a ‘high’ from the behavior – in this case scrolling through posts, images and videos – can be just as strong, especially if the app is particularly dangerous.

Social media addiction is usually characterized by an uncontrollable urge to log onto social media and continue to engage in the activity for extended and frequent periods of time despite the damage it may cause to relationships, work or school responsibilities, and physical and mental health.

Clearly not everyone who uses social media will develop an addiction. But as social networking sites becomes increasingly accessible to more and more people around the world, there is likely to be an associated rise in the number of people suffering from social media addiction.

Why is social media so addictive?

In order to understand why social networking sites can be so addictive, we need to look at how social media affects the brain.

Whenever you use social media, the brain releases dopamine – the feel-good neurotransmitter. As a result, the dopamine makes your brain recognize social media as a rewarding activity that you should repeat again and again. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on this type of stimulation as the positive feelings experienced when using social media are only temporary and the dopamine rush soon wears off. So, the brain needs more and more social media use to induce the same feelings of pleasure – there’s even a term now called TikTok brain.

The constant stream of likes, comments, shares, views and emoticon reactions from social networking sites cause the brain’s reward pathways to trigger the same kind of chemical reaction seen with alcohol or drug use. Stanford psychiatrist, Anna Lembke, describes the link between drugs and ‘digital dopamine’ when describing the addictive potential of social media:

“Just as the hypodermic needle is the delivery mechanism for drugs like heroin, the smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine for a wired generation. The hypodermic needle delivers a drug right into our vascular system, which in turn delivers it right to the brain, making the drug more potent. The same is true for the smartphone; with its bright colors, flashing lights and engaging alerts, it delivers images to our visual cortex that are tough to resist. And the quantity is endless. TikTok never runs out.”

Sometimes, social media is used to relieve stress, loneliness or depression. However, the more you turn to social networking sites as escapism, the more the negative consequences of social media will worsen loneliness or stress. This pattern of behavior can become increasingly destructive over time. Undoing the damage done to the brain because of addiction to social media can take months to correct.

Social media statistics: scale and usage

Source: Hootsuite’s Digital Trends Report 2022

These statistics offer a fascinating insight into the scale of social media usage and how overreliance on social networking sites can be a cause for concern.

• 4.62 billion people now use social media – 58.4% of the world’s population. Globally, the number of social media users has grown by more than 10% (424 million) in the last year.
• It is projected that the average adult will spend 6 years and 8 months of their life on social media.
• The average daily time spent using social media in 2021 was 2 hours 27 minutes (up from 1 hour 37 minutes in 2013).
• More than 210 million people worldwide are estimated to have suffered from addiction to social media and the internet in 2017. Allowing for increase in social media usage since then, it is estimated that around 333 million people globally are likely to experience problematic social media use today. In fact, some experts think that up to 10% of people in the US could have social media addiction.
• 9% of US online users report feeling “completely” addicted to social media, with 30% feeling “somewhat” addicted. The percentage of people addicted to social media is highest among those aged 23-38 with 15% feeling “completely” addicted and 37% feeling “somewhat” addicted.
• Young people who spend five hours each day using their phones are almost twice as likely to have depression than people who spend only one hour a day online.
• Young, single females are more likely to be addicted to social media than any other group.
• Almost half of teenagers (45%) check mobile devices after going to bed and around a quarter (23%) check their mobile device more than 10 times a night.
• FOMO (fear of missing out) is experienced by 56% of social media users who are afraid of missing out on events, news and important status updates. The most common contributors of FOMO include Facebook (72%), Instagram (14%), Twitter (11%), and Pinterest (8%).
• Young people feel under pressure to portray their ‘best life’ on social media and are concerned about how others will react to their posts: 32% worry about the number of likes they receive on a post, 40% often compare themselves to others on social media and 36% are concerned about receiving hurtful or negative comments.
• Discord has 250 million registered users as it has become the social playground and fabric for most are teenagers.

Warning signs of social media addiction

For most people, social media is a fun activity but for others it can become an unhealthy obsession. How do you know when your social media use – or the behavior of someone you care about – has become problematic? Here are some common warning signs that your relationship with social media may be spiraling out of control:

• Frequently thinking about social media and planning how and when to use it next.
• Needing to spend more and more time on social networking sites to find the same level of pleasure.
• Attempting to control, cut down or stop spending time on social media, without success.
• Feeling irritable, restless or anxious when unable to use social media.
• Experiencing unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms when social media use is restricted or stopped.
• Using social media to forget about or cope with personal problems.
• Engaging with social media so much that it has a negative impact on work or school.
• Unable to stop scrolling through social media during other activities such as eating out with friends, watching a movie at the cinema or even while driving.
• Losing interest in all other hobbies and pastimes.
• Quickly reverting to excessive use of social media after a period of abstinence.

Get immediate help for you or a loved one’s social media addiction. Book a free Gameplan call now to learn if our program is the right fit for you.

The link between social media and mental health issues

Does time spent on social media always have negative mental health implications or can it be beneficial for our well-being?

According to a review of studies, excessive social media use is associated with a number of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and addiction for a minority of people. This is because the overconsumption of social media can make them feel isolated and socially excluded if they think that their life is not as exciting or fulfilling as other peoples’. Another study shows that young people who spend more than two hours a day on social networking sites are more likely to have poor mental health with high levels of psychological distress and suicidal ideation. This can be especially true for people on apps like Discord, TikTok and Reddit.

However, other research suggests that social media use is not always harmful. A large-scale study published in the journal Psychological Science found that the relationship between screen time and mental well-being works in a concept known as the ‘Goldilocks hypothesis’. This concept uses the same analogy as the Goldilocks and the Three Bears fairy tale – where moderation in screen time rather than porridge (not too hot, not too cold) and beds (not too hard, not too soft) is ‘just right’. The research found that high levels of daily screen time (2+ hours), especially on weekdays, was linked to lower levels of well-being. However, it also found that very low (or no) daily screen time was also linked to lower levels of well-being. The optimum well-being was associated with just under an hour a day spent online.

How to achieve a healthier balance with social media

If you, or a loved one, want to reduce the amount of time you spend mindlessly scrolling and posting on social networking sites here are some tips:

• Education is key. Just as parents talk to their kids about stranger danger, safe sex and avoiding drugs, you should be discussing social media usage too. It’s not just about the negative impacts of excessive use, it’s also teaching them about cyberbullying, sexting, appropriate emojis, and sharing personal photos on social media sites. You might even need to learn common TikTok terms and phrases.
• Delete all social media apps from your smartphone so you won’t be tempted to open up the endless flow of information and feedback. Restricting access to your desktop or laptop may help you be more intentional in your use and reduce the amount of time you spend on social media overall.
• If you aren’t prepared to delete all social media apps immediately, at least reduce your screen time by turning off or use ‘do not disturb’ on your smartphone at school or work, during mealtimes, when spending time with friends and family, and definitely while driving.
• Switch off notifications on your social media apps some or all of the time so it doesn’t become a constant distraction.
• If you aren’t ready for complete abstinence from social media, allow yourself a certain amount of time on social media sites each day. Our screen time guidelines for children, teens and adults will help you decide on a reasonable limit. You may find it helps to set a timer so that you stay on track.
• Leave your smartphone, tablet and computer out of your bedroom. If you currently use one of them to wake you up in the morning, buy an alarm clock.
• Find replacement hobbies or activities that are not technology related. Our hobby tool has over 70 ideas to inspire you.
• Arrange to see your friends and family in person, rather than on a screen, whenever possible.
• Try to have regular breaks from social media to stay in control and reduce your dependency on it. Take small steps to start with – perhaps an hour or a half day – then build up to a full day, weekend or avoid checking it when you’re on vacation for a complete digital detox.

Get expert help

Reducing screen time can be an effective way of cutting down on social media use before it becomes harmful. However, if your addiction to social networking sites is deep rooted, you may need professional support.

Social media addiction is treatable and many people have successfully recovered. Our coaching program is designed to help individuals and families establish a healthier relationship with technology.

Get in touch to book your gameplan strategy call to discuss how to stop social media addiction and regain control of your life.