Social media can be very addicting, and a social media addiction can wreak havoc on your life.If you’re harmed substantially by your addiction, you may even qualify for a social media lawsuit. This article will discuss the signs of social media addiction and how to overcome them.
The Signs of Social Media Addiction
There are signs that you might have a social media addiction. These include:
- You often think about social media when not using it
- You spend a lot of time using social media
- You spend less time with other people so you can use social media
- You spend less time engaging in other hobbies or activities so you can use social media
- You experience feelings like irritability and anxiety when you’re unable to use social media
- You use social media so much that it interferes with your relationships, schooling and work
- You use social media in order to cope with emotions which aren’t wanted
Ways to Overcome Social Media Addiction
Ways you can overcome your social media addiction include:
Digital Detox
Start reducing how much time you plan on accessing social media or the internet. Do this by assigning specific periods of time during the day where you let yourself use social media or the internet, such as during lunch hour. Apps are also available which let you set time limits on how much you use social media – when these time limits expire, you stop using social media or the internet until the time limit resets on the next day.
Figure Out Why You’re Quitting
When a Facebook icon enters your vision, it can be easy to suppress any thoughts telling you why you shouldn’t click it. However, if you really want to quit, it’s vital to figure out one or two significant and specific motivators which you can focus upon. You will give yourself lasting motivation in order to quit by knowing your personal reason for quitting, and this will put you into a mindset which is results-oriented and fueled while you start noticing positive changes.
Only Use Social Media After Accomplishing Something
Create a plan involving only accessing social media or the internet after having accomplished something. As an example, you’ll only be able to use social media or the internet after going for a walk, watering the plants, getting groceries, doing school work for an hour, etc.
Find Replacement Activities
Figure out what times during which you’re using social media most often, then decide upon what you will fill those times with so you don’t find yourself turning to your smartphone.
As an example, you have a great opportunity to start reading again if you quit social media. Once you find healthier methods to disconnect and relax, as well as build back an attention span, thinking about picking up that book you’ve been meaning to read may not be quite as daunting as before when social media was dominating your life.
Get Help
If you just can’t seem to find the willpower to break your addiction yourself, get yourself some help. See a therapist or a counselor. And if your children are harmed by social media addiction, there’s help out there for you. Click here for more information.