We all know that alcohol, tobacco, and even gambling can be addictive, but since the dawn of the internet, social media has quickly become a similar problem for many.
Dr. Ahmed Faheem at Appalachian Psychiatric Services in Beckley explains how too much scrolling can become a bigger problem than wasted time:
“Any addiction is something that has a stimulus that a person uses, and it produces a reaction in them, which gives them a sense of, you know, curiosity, pleasure, desire to do it again.”
That addiction can quickly spiral, becoming just as dangerous as other forms.
“There have been situations of people attempting suicide—people who have been expelled from school. There have been situations where they have gotten into legal trouble without even realizing that they are in that situation.”
Some of the most vulnerable groups are children and teens, both demographics that many social media platforms cater to.
“If the social media is really making them very vulnerable… without a desire to become addicted, they are getting addicted without even knowing about it or other people, their parents, or anybody else knowing about it.”
If you are addicted to social media use, there are options. You can try to channel your energy into something else, work with another person or support group to hold yourself accountable, or seek professional help. However, if your scrolling habits are still manageable, you are in a fortunate place.
“Prevention is better than the cure… Just be aware of it, and put a stop to it before it happens.”
