Summary of Social media and Digital Addiction  RESEARCH COMPONENT

Due to our dependence on technology, the growth of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram,
TikTok, and Twitter, the addiction to social media has become rampant over the years. Social media
addiction refers to the undisciplined and uncontrolled use of technology such that it hampers an
individual’s day-to-day activities including work and social interactions. The evolution of the modern
world has led to greater focus being placed on an individual’s digital footprint which also tends to raise
the concern pertaining to the mental well being of a person.

The foremost reason behind digital addiction lies on the user’s need for instant satisfaction. Many social
media applications are carefully structured to be captivating through algorithms that focus on content
that is likely to be interesting, thus offering users an unlimited supply of new posts, videos, and pictures.
These sites take advantage of the brain's reward system by stimulating the release of dopamine, the
substance responsible for pleasure and reinforcement. Each "like", comment, and share, or even a new
notification bursts the construct of achievement - outdoing oneself, which keeps the user perpetually
addicted and encourages further scrolling.

The effect of social media addiction on individuals is noteworthy. The quest for affirmation through likes,
shares, comments, and even follows leads to self-esteem issues among depression and social anxiety.
Users compare themselves to the influencer’s world which is usually edited and curated to showcase the
best, thereby undermining the user’s satisfaction with their own life. Overuse of social media platforms
has adverse mental health implications. The consequences are greater for the younger population who
are more vulnerable to social pressures.

The effect of addiction to technology has far-reaching and dangerous consequences, especially in the
case of in-person interactions. People who engage in excessive use of their online identitySocial neglect
their “me” time, resulting in social withdrawal. Virtual relationships are given prominence over physical
ones and meaningful friendships are at risk of elimination. On the contrary, excessive social media use
and other screen time activities including browsing and gaming can negatively impact sleep. Insomnia
subsequently leads to daytime fatigue, lack of focus, and poor concentration.

The ramifications of digital addiction are noteworthy, surfacing digital dependency also affects economic
performance. Employees are increasingly distracted by social networks and other non-work-related
activities during working hours. Apart from the employees, the students are no safe either. Excessive
use of social media along with other peripherals can prove to be a distraction and directly impacts the
academic performance. In addition, addiction to technology has led to an increase in digital bullying and
other abusive online behavior, which can be extremely detrimental for the victims both psychological
and emotionally.

With regards to rehabilitation from social media and technology addiction, it is important to address
them from various angles. The first step is creating awareness around the topic. A good number of them
are oblivious with how much time they devote to social media and even more concerning, the impact it
has on their mental wellbeing. Some social media sites to intenstinaly offered the possibility to set limits
to their screen time which is a positive step. Users taking a hiatus from social media for an extended
period of time also termed as digital detox is another emerging technique of tackling reckless habits.
Be it in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or any other form, therapeutic interventions aid
in resolving the intricate psychological problems that prop up addiction. For people who wish to cut
down on their screen time, depending on the circumstances, digital detox retreats or digital wellness
programs can also be beneficial.

To sum everything up, social media and technology addiction is a cross generational and multicultural
problem that is on the rise. Amidst the multitude of advantages these platforms provide, for instance,
connecting and entertainment, their overuse can lead to dire consequences on mental and physical
wellness. Combating digital addiction is a two-fold effort in which self-realization and social initiatives to
encourage a positive relationship with technology are equally important.

Poster of social media and digital addiction

 ORAL REPRESENTAION
Good [morning/afternoon], everyone. In today’s talk I'll be addressing a
growing issue: addiction to social media and technology.

Social media and digital addiction is defined as an obsessive-compulsive

behavior where an individual spends significant portions of their time
scrolling, posting, and engaging with content. The advent of
smartphones, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter has made it
increasingly common for people to check their devices for notifications
and messages. These platforms are captivating and built to engage
users more and more. They employ algorithms that activate the reward
systems in people’s brains, which makes them continue returning to
the app.

The effects that technology addiction brings are devastating. Social

media platforms are rampant with “fantasy world” content which can
lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-image, depression, and anxiety.
The overwhelming need to seek out approval in the form of likes,
especially among youths, who often fail to distinguish their online
identity from offline identity, can be detrimental to one’s mental
health. Another common adverse effect is increased social isolation, as
many users tend to interact with people online more than in-person.
Excess screen time hinders our health, including our physical health,
while digital addiction interferes with basic bodily functions such as
sleep. A large number, if not most people, prefer staying up late
scrolling through their feeds which leads to sleep deprivation and
inability to concentrate the follow day.

So, what is the solution? The answer is in educating oneself. People do

not realize the amount of time spent online and apps are getting more
sophisticated in offering features that track screen time, which displays
the persona’s actual habits and comes across as rather shocking. Stints
away from social media, known as digital detox vacations, can be useful
in resetting unhealthy habits.

Striking a fair balance between social media and personal life should be
ideal for a healthy body and mind devoid of stress for optimal
performance in work or personal projects as well as fostering strained
relationships is fundamental. Thank you.

Reflection
By completing this project on social media and digital addiction,
it became evident to me how these platforms impact our
behavior, feelings, and relationships. Initially, I understood the
general issues associated with digital addiction, such as screen
time and mental health, but I had not considered how deep
psychological implications of algorithms drives users to expend
time on platforms through social validation.

Through the project, I learned about the term dopamine loops,

which are pathways that encourage compulsive checking and
seeking affirmation. Systematic social media approval fuel
addiction like other addictions, but in this case, the addiction is
being perpetually connected to the network. I also learned that
this type of addiction is not limited to individuals; it can take
hold of entire communities, shaping collective views, social and
political divides, and even a society’s mental health.
The project allowed me to self-reflect identify through what
lenses I view social media while trying to gauge how I interact
with it.

I now realize that confronting digital addiction is not simply a

problem of self-discipline, but rather demands a collective
consciousness of society, digital literacy, and changes within
the design practices of technology companies.

Bibliography
📚 Social Media And Digital Addiction Research Online Bibliography

Addiction Center – Social Media Addiction

Website Reference: https://www.addictioncenter.com

This site highlights social media addiction’s behavior-related signs,

causes, and treatment options.

Medical News Today – What is Social Media Addiction?

Website Reference: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com

Overviews the social media addiction symptoms, its causes, and some
helpful measures to control usage.

Verywell Mind – Signs of Social Media Addiction

Website Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com

Elaborates social media’s psychological effects and the problematic
use indicators.

Common Sense Media – Social Media and Mental Health

Website Reference: https://www.commonsensemedia.org

Analyzes the impact of social media on young people and children

drawing from research and expert perspectives.

Psychology Today – Digital Addiction

Website Reference: https://www.psychologytoday.com

Discusses the science of digital dependency deviced in articles by

psychologists.

NIDA - Behavioral Addictions

Website Reference: https://nida.nih.gov

Analyzes social media in light of behavioral addiction context.