Social Media Addiction | Definition, Symptoms and Effects

Social media addiction refers to the excessive use of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X, to the point where it begins to interfere with daily life, relationships and overall well-being. This form of addiction is often linked to the compulsion to check feeds, notifications or messages frequently, sometimes even at the expense of important tasks or real-world interactions.

Although the concept of social media addiction has gained significant attention in recent years, it is not currently classified as a formal disorder in the DSM-V. However, many researchers and psychologists argue that it shares similarities with other behavioural addictions, such as gambling, due to its impact on the brain’s reward system.

What social media platforms are the most addictive?

When it comes to figuring out which social media platform is the most addictive, we can start by looking at the biggest platforms as of 2024. Facebook leads the pack with over 3 billion active users per month, followed by YouTube at 2.5 billion, Instagram and WhatsApp at 2 billion each, TikTok with over 1.5 billion, and WeChat at over 1.3 billion (Source: Statista).

But just because a platform has the most users doesn’t necessarily make it the most addictive. While Facebook may be the largest, TikTok has raised the most concern among researchers for its addictive nature.

In a study of 659 young Chinese TikTok users aged 10 to 19, researchers found that TikTok’s algorithm or ‘system quality’, plays a key role in why users find it so hard to put the app down. Unlike other platforms, TikTok’s algorithm is laser-focused on personalising content to keep users engaged. It’s not just about the videos themselves but the way they’re delivered, which creates a unique ‘flow’ experience for users where they lose track of time, focus deeply and enjoy what they’re watching.

This flow experience is what makes TikTok particularly addictive. The more fun and absorbed users are, the more likely they are to keep scrolling. And out of all the factors studied, concentration was the biggest driver of TikTok addiction. Once users, especially teens, are deeply focused on the app, it’s hard for them to stop, unless something from the outside world pulls them away, like parents or schoolwork.

So, while TikTok might not have the largest user base, its highly engaging and personalised content delivery makes it a strong contender for the most addictive social media platform today.

What are the signs of 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 what point should I consider social media addiction rehab?

It can be tough to realise when social media has become a problem. Unlike alcohol or drug addiction, which can sometimes be spotted by yourself or those around you, social media addiction is trickier. It’s woven into daily life, so the line between normal use, and addiction can blur.

A good starting point is to try a personal detox, whether it’s for a few days or weeks, and see how challenging it is to step away. If you find it difficult or impossible to cut back, it might be worth speaking to a mental health specialist who can evaluate if you need further support, possibly even rehab.

How is social media addiction treated?

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.

Get help for your social media addiction today

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bergen social media addiction scale?

The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) is a tool used to assess addiction-like symptoms related to social media use, including factors like mood modification, withdrawal, and relapse. It helps determine if someone’s social media use is problematic.

What social media platforms are the most addictive?

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat are considered the most addictive due to their design features like infinite scrolling, quick content consumption, and social validation through likes and comments.

Is social media addiction a real thing?

Yes, social media addiction is recognised as a behavioural issue where excessive use of platforms can interfere with daily life, mental health, and personal relationships. It can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and attention problems.

(Click here to see works cited)

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Dixon, Stacy Jo. “Biggest Social Media Platforms by Users 2024.” Statista, 10 July 2024, www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/.
Qin Y, Omar B, Musetti A. The addiction behavior of short-form video app TikTok: The information quality and system quality perspective. Front Psychol. 2022 Sep 6;13:932805. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932805. PMID: 36148123; PMCID: PMC9486470.