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Social media platforms have drawn comparisons to casinos, opioids, and cigarettes for their addictive qualities, raising concerns about users’ inability to disconnect from the endless scroll. While experts continue to debate whether excessive use constitutes true addiction, millions of users report struggling to limit their time on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and similar platforms.
These digital environments are meticulously designed to maximize user engagement, with tech companies earning billions in advertising revenue by keeping eyes glued to screens. The psychological reward system built into these platforms—combining dopamine hits from short videos, validation from likes, and even the negative engagement of “rage-bait” content—creates a powerful pull that many find difficult to resist.
Though much public discussion has centered on children’s vulnerability to social media overuse, adults are equally susceptible to patterns that can disrupt their daily functioning and well-being.
Dr. Anna Lembke, medical director of addiction medicine at Stanford University, defines addiction as “the continued compulsive use of a substance or behavior despite harm to self or others.” During recent testimony in a Los Angeles trial examining social media harms, she emphasized that the “24/7, really limitless, frictionless access” to these platforms contributes significantly to their addictive nature.
However, the medical community remains divided. Social media addiction is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the standard reference for mental health professionals. Some researchers argue that true addiction must include specific symptoms like uncontrollable urges and withdrawal effects.
Dr. Laurel Williams, professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine, suggests focusing on how social media use affects a person’s life and emotions rather than debating terminology. “If what they discover is they view it so much that they are missing out on other things they may enjoy or things that they need to attend to, this is problematic use,” she explains. “Additionally, if you leave feeling overwhelmed, drained, sad, anxious, angry regularly, this use is not good for you.”
These effects manifest in tangible ways: postponing responsibilities, abandoning hobbies, reducing face-to-face interactions, or feeling unable to cut back despite wanting to.
Professor Ofir Turel from the University of Melbourne acknowledges the lack of consensus on terminology but emphasizes the undeniable reality of the problem: “You don’t have to call it an addiction, but there is an issue and we need, as a society, to start thinking about it.”
For those looking to regain control, experts recommend starting with an understanding of how social media platforms are designed to capture attention. Dr. Williams advises viewing social media companies as entities “trying to get you to stay with them and buy something,” and approaching content with healthy skepticism.
Small interventions can be surprisingly effective. Ian A. Anderson, a postdoctoral scholar at Caltech, suggests simple changes like relocating apps on your phone screen or disabling notifications. More substantial steps include establishing phone-free zones in your home, particularly bedrooms where nighttime scrolling often disrupts sleep patterns.
Technology itself offers some solutions for managing excessive use. Both iOS and Android devices now include screen time management features. Apple’s controls allow users to set “Downtime” periods when phone activity is limited and place restrictions on specific app categories or individual applications.
When these lighter interventions prove insufficient, more dramatic measures may be necessary. Some users report success with reducing visual stimulation by switching their phone display to grayscale—a feature available in accessibility settings on most devices. Others have turned to hardware solutions like Unpluq, Brick, or Blok, which create physical barriers between users and their apps.
For those with more serious concerns, lockable phone containers like Yondr pouches—commonly used in schools and concert venues—are now marketed for home use.
Ultimately, persistent difficulty controlling social media use may signal underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, or loneliness. In these cases, professional therapeutic support might be the most appropriate path forward.
Dr. Williams suggests a community-based approach: “For people struggling to stay away—see if you can get a friend group to collaborate with you on it. Make it a group effort.” This social accountability can help create phone-free environments and reduce the collective pressure to remain constantly connected.
As social media continues to evolve and integrate further into daily life, finding this balance between beneficial use and harmful overconsumption remains a critical challenge for individuals and society alike.
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10 Comments
While social media can provide valuable connection and information, the addictive nature of these platforms is undeniable. I’m interested to learn more about the psychological and physiological mechanisms that drive this compulsive use.
It’s concerning to see the parallels drawn between social media and more traditional addictive substances and behaviors. This underscores the need for greater regulation and user education around these platforms.
While the convenience and connection of social media are appealing, the potential for disruption to our daily lives is concerning. I’m curious to learn more about effective strategies for limiting excessive use.
The comparison to casinos and opioids really highlights the powerful psychological hooks these platforms employ. It’s a good reminder to be mindful of our social media use and set boundaries.
Absolutely. Developing healthy habits around social media is so important, especially for adults who may have more responsibilities to balance.
It’s interesting that adults can be just as susceptible to social media addiction as children. This speaks to the sophisticated design and potent psychological triggers built into these platforms.
You’re right. As adults, we may think we’re immune to these addictive tendencies, but the reality is we need to be just as vigilant in managing our social media use.
This article raises an important issue that many of us can likely relate to. I’m curious to hear what specific strategies people have found effective in cutting back on social media use and maintaining a healthy balance.
It’s concerning how addictive social media can be, even for adults. The dopamine hits and validation from likes are hard to resist. Maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for our well-being.
The definition of addiction as ‘continued compulsive use despite harm’ is a sobering one. It highlights the need for more research and public awareness around the risks of excessive social media use, even for adults.