Social media can be a great boon to your recovery and help you feel part of an online community. Yet, if you overdo it, your mental health may be negatively impacted.
In fact, a new study from the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health, reveals that the more social media platforms you use – namely, seven to 11 outlets – the higher your risk for anxiety and depression.
In fact, this type of social media overuse can make you three times more likely to develop these mood disorders than individuals who use zero to two platforms, revealed study authors. Researchers noted that it works the other way, too: “People who suffer from symptoms of depression or anxiety, or both, tend to subsequently use a broader range of social media outlets,” the author of the study, Brian A. Primack, told PsyPost. The reason, however, is still unclear.
Warning Signs of Social Media Addiction
James Roberts, PhD, The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business and author of Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone? devised six questions to help people determine whether their social media behavior could be bordering on addiction. “If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to three or more of these questions, you might need to scale back.
- Salience: Would you consider your social media use deeply integrated into your daily life
- Euphoria: Do you rely on social media for excitement throughout the day?
- Tolerance: Do you need to spend more or more time on social media to get a “buzz”?
- Withdrawal symptoms: Are you nervous or agitated when not on social media?
- Conflict: Has your use of social media caused problems at work or at home?
- Relapse: Have you tried to cutback on your use of social media but failed?
Help for a Dual Diagnosis
Geared toward young adults, our addiction facility utilizes the latest clinical practices and state-of-the-art techniques to treat alcohol and substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. At Red Oak Recovery®, we believe in addressing issues in a simultaneous, holistic and integrated fashion. To learn more, call 866.457.7426.
