Social Media Addiction

It’s hard to recognise something as an addiction when it’s become so woven into everyday life, especially when everyone else seems to be doing it. Think about the last time you were on public transport; how many people had their heads down, scrolling through social media? The vast majority, right? It seems normal, even harmless.

This is exactly what makes it difficult to spot the signs of social media addiction as it’s become so globally accepted and integrated into our lives. However, while the behaviour might be socially acceptable, there are still clear signs that social media might be more of an issue than it seems.

Inability to reduce usage

You tell yourself you’ll spend less time on social media tomorrow but it never happens. For example, you plan to scroll for five minutes and realise hours have passed. Even with the best intentions, cutting down seems almost impossible.

Using social media to escape or avoid problems

Social media becomes your go-to when life feels overwhelming or stressful. Instead of dealing with difficult emotions or tasks, you open Instagram or Twitter to distract yourself. It’s no longer just for entertainment; it’s a form of avoidance.

Neglecting responsibilities

Whether it’s missing deadlines at work or pushing aside household chores, your obligations start to take a back seat. For instance, you spend hours refreshing your social feeds instead of focusing on an important work project.

Experiencing mood swings based on social media interactions

Your mood becomes highly dependent on what’s happening online. If a post gets many likes, you feel elated; if it doesn’t, you feel down or anxious. Or, a single negative comment can ruin your day entirely.

Withdrawal symptoms when not using social media

Feeling anxious, restless or irritable when you can’t access social media is a red flag. If you’re without your phone or internet connection, you may experience fidgeting or obsessively thinking about getting back online.

Prioritising social media over in-person relationships

You start to notice that your online connections are taking priority over real-life interactions. You might be out with friends or family but can’t help scrolling through your phone instead of engaging with the people in front of you. Or, you cancel plans because you’d rather stay in and browse your feeds.

By recognising these signs, it becomes easier to reflect on how much of a grip social media might have on your life. While it’s a tool that connects and entertains, it’s important to make sure it’s not consuming more than it’s giving back.

At Primrose Lodge, overcoming social media addiction involves a comprehensive and compassionate approach that addresses both the emotional and behavioural aspects of the addiction. We understand how challenging it can be to break free from the cycle of endless scrolling, likes and notifications and we are here to guide you through each stage of recovery.

Our inpatient rehab programme is designed to provide you with the structure and environment needed to step away from the constant distractions and triggers of social media. At Primrose Lodge, we focus on holistic healing, combining various therapeutic techniques tailored to your individual needs.

Some of the key therapies we offer include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviours that lead to compulsive social media use. You will learn healthier coping mechanisms to deal with urges and triggers.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT helps manage intense emotions and fosters emotional regulation. For those whose social media addiction is tied to deeper emotional struggles, DBT is highly effective in promoting balance and self-acceptance.
• Mindfulness-based therapy: Mindfulness encourages you to be present in the moment, fostering emotional peace and a deeper awareness of your habits. This practice is essential in preventing relapse, as it helps reduce the impulse to return to old patterns of social media overuse.

If you or someone you love has been affected by social media addiction, reach out to Primrose Lodge today. We’re ready to help you start your journey on a life free from social media addiction.