How Social Media is Ruining You

There's no denying the impact social media has had on this generation.

It has integrated seamlessly into our lives, providing unprecedented opportunities for socialization and building relationships. As inherently social beings, we thrive on connection and interaction, and platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter) no doubt allow us to build relationships and express ourselves. However, in addition to the benefits, we must recognize the potential risks that excessive social media use can have on our mental health. While navigating the pressure to maintain an idealized online persona, individuals may experience feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, as well as the allure of social media addiction, according to Griffiths (2000) and Starcevic (2013).

Understanding social media addiction

Griffiths (2000) and Starcevic (2013) define social media addiction as a subset of Internet addiction in which individuals feel compelled to engage excessively despite the negative implications. This addictive cycle, exacerbated by social media's prevalent presence, highlights the importance of setting appropriate boundaries to lessen the negative consequences on mental health and daily functioning. Social media addiction, characterized by compulsive and excessive use of social media platforms, poses significant risks to mental health and well-being. According to Amelia Strickland (2014), neuropsychological research shows that self-disclosure on social media activates the brain's reward system in the same way that primary rewards like food and sex do. This activation reinforces the behavior, which contributes to its addictive nature.

Bandura’s Insights

"People learn more rapidly by observing a model than by any form of direct instruction." - Albert Bandura

Albert Bandura, a well-known psychologist, introduced the concept of Social Learning Theory, which explains how individuals learn behaviors through observation and imitation. The Bobo doll experiment is one of the most recognized examples of this theory. In this experiment, Bandura and his colleagues demonstrated that children who observed adults behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll were more likely to imitate that behavior when given the opportunity to play with the doll themselves. This experiment emphasized the importance of observational learning, in which individuals learn by observing the actions of others.

Bandura's Social Learning Theory includes three key components based on his research : observational learning ; which involves acquiring behaviors through observation, vicarious reinforcement in which individuals are motivated to imitate behaviors that result in positive outcomes for others, and self-efficacy ; which refers to one's belief in one's ability to complete tasks and achieve goals.

Here is how we can apply these principles to address social media addiction:

Observational Learning:

Bandura proposed that individuals learn by observing others' behavior. In the context of social media addiction, users may notice peers excessively using social media platforms, posting frequently, or constantly checking for updates. These observations can persuade people to mimic similar behaviors, especially if they see such actions as normative or desirable in their social circles.

Vicarious Reinforcement:

According to Bandura, individuals are motivated to imitate behaviors that result in positive outcomes for others. On social media, users may notice peers receiving attention, validation, or social approval in the form of likes, comments, or shares for their posts. Vicarious reinforcement can encourage people to seek similar rewards by engaging more with social media platforms, which can lead to addictive behavior patterns.

Self efficacy:

Bandura's theory emphasizes the significance of self-efficacy, or belief in one's ability to complete tasks and achieve goals. Individuals with low self-efficacy may perceive themselves as incapable of controlling their social media use or resisting the urge to constantly check their feed. This lack of confidence in their ability to self-regulate can lead to compulsive behavior and reliance on social media platforms.

Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues:

Social media platforms foster a culture of comparison, with users frequently measuring their worth against the seemingly perfect lives of others. There are two main types of social comparisons: upward comparison and downward comparison. Upward comparison occurs when people compare themselves to others who appear to be doing better, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. In contrast, downward comparison involves comparing oneself to those who are perceived to be less proficient, which may temporarily boost self-esteem. Iqra University conducted a study on 150 students and found that approximately 88% of the participants engaged in comparing themselves with others on Facebook. Furthermore, 98% of these comparisons were upward social comparisons (Morse & Gergen, 1970).

Fomo and Anxiety:

Kuss and Griffiths (2011) define addiction as a set of behaviors that includes mood modification, salience, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, conflict, and relapse. These factors are apparent in the realm of social media consumption, where platforms can significantly influence mood, induce behavioral preoccupation, foster user tolerance with increased usage, cause interpersonal conflict, and lead to relapse. Furthermore, studies have found that certain personality traits, such as extroversion, fear of missing out (FOMO), and neuroticism, predict susceptibility to social media addiction (Kuss & Griffiths, 2011). FOMO is exacerbated by the constant need for connectivity, which is especially prevalent among the younger generation. Rosen et al. (2013) highlighted this phenomenon, stating that younger generations experience increased anxiety when unable to engage with their social networks and messages, often checking in at alarming frequencies. This constant connectivity has even given rise to a new medical term, Phantom Vibration Syndrome, in which individuals feel vibrations from their cell phones even when there are no incoming notifications (Drouin et al., 2012; Rothberg et al., 2010). Such occurrences may be manifestations of the underlying anxiety caused by the constant need to connect and engage with social media platforms, which can lead to further mental health implications.

Cyberbullying and Suicide:

In a 2020 survey conducted by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers Abi-Jaoude, Naylor, and Pignatiello shed light on the prevalent issue of cyberbullying among adolescents. Their findings revealed a troubling link between cyberbullying experiences and increased risks of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts, even after accounting for a variety of potential factors. This study highlights the critical need for effective interventions to address the negative impact of online harassment on mental health, emphasizing the importance of creating safer digital environments for young people.

Methods of coping with social media addiction -

Establishing Boundaries:

Setting clear limits on social media use, such as allocating specific times for checking social platforms or designating screen-free zones in the home, can help individuals regain control of their engagement.

Alternative Activities:

Hobbies, physical exercise, and spending quality time with loved ones can all provide rewarding experiences while reducing the need for constant social media validation.

Seeking support:

Seeking professional help from therapists or joining support groups dedicated to addressing social media addiction can provide valuable resources and guidance for those looking to overcome their reliance on social media.

While social media offers numerous benefits in facilitating connection and communication, it is essential to remain mindful of the negatives of overindulgence, including the risk of addiction. By practicing moderation and being aware of the signs of social media addiction, individuals can benefit from its advantages while mitigating its adverse effects on mental health and overall quality of life.