On February 5, 2004, a visionary Harvard University student, Mark Zuckerberg, launched Facebook. The promise of his creation was to provide a space for easy sharing and communication, although at the time it was impossible to foresee the impact it would have.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other social networks have facilitated the way we communicate. Their efficiency, speed, and reach have made them useful tools for expression, but where is the line between functional use and abuse?
When it comes to social media, the concept of “addiction” remains controversial, and a single definition has yet to be established. However, there is a consensus that certain usage patterns clearly equate to addictive behavior.
Social media addiction
- Usage that involves a loss of control. How many times and how frequently does one need to access one or more social networks?
- It recurrently affects normal daily functioning. One example: lack of sleep.
- It is combined with a marked lack of interest in one’s surroundings, low performance in daily activities, and emotional changes.
The behavior is considered pathological when withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or irritability, appear due to the inability to use social networks.
At CC Adicciones we believe it is important to remember that social networks are useful and should not be abandoned, but we must always keep in mind that they are tools at our service. If you have any questions, you can request a free first visit.
