Even Adults Can Become Addicted to Social Media

Addiction to social media has been likened to gambling, painkillers, and smoking cigarettes. Despite disagreements among experts on the distinction between excessive use and addiction, as well as whether social media might contribute to the latter, it is undeniable that a large number of people feel unable to resist the allure of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other platforms.

Sam Teague

In order to display you advertisements that bring in billions of dollars, the firms who created your favorite apps have an incentive to keep you hooked. It can seem like an unfair battle to resist the allure of the infinite scroll, the dopamine rush from short-form films, and the validation and ego boost from likes and pleasant interactions. Some people find it impossible to resist the allure of "rage-bait," depressing news, and battling with strangers they meet online. Children have been the focus of much of the worry around social media addiction. However, people are also prone to utilizing social media excessively to the point that it begins to interfere with their daily life.

Social media companies rely heavily on advertising revenue.
Their profits increase when users spend more time on the platform.
Features are intentionally designed to maximize engagement and screen time.
Employees face abrupt transition and uncertainty
Social media can interfere with productivity and responsibilities.

Recognizing signs of compulsive use

Addiction is "the continued compulsive use of a substance or behavior despite harm to self or others," according to Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and the medical head of addiction medicine at Stanford University's School of Medicine. Lembke stated that people's "24/7, really limitless, frictionless access" to social media platforms is what makes them so addicting during her testimony at a historic social media damages trial in Los Angeles.

Some studies argue that a person must be exhibiting recognizable symptoms in order for heavy social media use to be classified as addiction. These include withdrawal symptoms and intense, occasionally overwhelming cravings that meet the criteria for addiction.

Jamie Larson

Senior Writer · Investigative Journalism

Jamie writes deep-dive reporting on technology, society and culture. Former editor at independent publications, Jamie focuses on clear storytelling and long-form investigations.

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