Whether you use social media to connect with friends and loved ones, watch videos, or simply “kill time,” the popularity of this pastime has increased significantly over the last decade. This is especially the case in children and teenagers, as well as young to middle-aged adults.

So, how does a seemingly harmless hobby turn into an “addiction”?

Like other types of behavioral addictions, using social media can influence your brain in harmful ways. Moreover, you may use social media compulsively and excessively. You can also become so accustomed to scrolling through posts, images, and videos that it interferes with other areas of your life.

Not everyone who uses social media will develop an addiction. Since this activity is becoming more accessible to more people, though, more people may develop an addiction to social media at some point in their lives.

A mental health professional can help you determine whether you truly have social media addiction or just really enjoy using it a lot. But there are a few key differences between social media addiction and a habit that you enjoy. These include:

• negative effects to your job or schoolwork due to the overuse of social media.

• increased use during other activities, such as hanging out with friends and family, or while eating.

• increased reliance on social media as a way to cope with problems.

• restlessness and irritability whenever you’re not using social media.

• anger whenever social media usage is reduced.

Consider the following tips to help you achieve a healthier balance with social media:

• Turn off your personal phone during work, as well as during school, meals, and recreational activities. You can also adjust the setting on each social media app so you can turn off certain notifications.

• Set aside a certain amount of time dedicated to social media per day. Turn on a timer to help keep you accountable.

• Take up a new hobby that’s not technologyrelated. Examples include sports, art, cooking classes, and more. Let yourself be in control of your life — not your social media account.

Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/socialmedia-addiction#decreasing-use. Access: 30 April 2022.