Social media addiction is real, whether you want to admit it or not. As early as 2012, psychologists acknowledged the existence of addiction to texts, Twitter, and Google. That doesn’t even take into account Facebook, which has hooked one person too many.
In a previous post, How to Break Free From Social Media Addiction, I shared an infographic providing statistics regarding the number of active users on the major platforms. More disturbing is the fact that not a small percentage of users cannot go for a few hours without checking Facebook.
Yup.
Social media addiction is real all right.
While I know some people who purposely disconnect for certain periods – weekends, for example – not everyone has this mindful practice.
Just ask yourself. Will you be able to spend the whole weekend without checking Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform?
If your answer is no, or a doubtful yes, then you might want to analyze whether or not you are addicted to social media.
While you can dwell upon this question on your own, here are some social media addiction quotes that could help you get started and dig deeper.
1. On “friends”
“The word ‘friend’ has become so utterly void of meaning in a world governed by social media. How can anyone truly claim to have eleven hundred friends. In my book that would involve making time to meet at least three of them every day of the year.” – Alex Morritt, Impromptu Scribe
2. On connectivity
“Social media sites creates [an] illusion of connectivity .” – Malay Shah
3. On distraction – written when social media addiction didn’t exist, but boy, does it apply today!
“Distracted from distraction by distraction.” – T.S. Eliot
4. On technology
This popular quote is often attributed to Einstein, but “Quote Investigator” proves otherwise. In any case, the idea is a powerful one in this day and age.
“I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.”
– attributed to Einstein but is actually an altered version of lines from the movie “Powder (1995)”
5. On justification
While it’s obviously meant to be funny, the quote hits hard if you are truly addicted to social media. Do you find yourself surreptitiously checking your phone for updates because you don’t want your partner or parents to know you’re “at it again”?
This is your quote.
“I must. justify. my. social. media. addiction.”
-Anonymous
Facing and solving the reality of social media addiction
Many recovery programs start with the mantra of “acknowledging” that you have a problem. If you’re still in this phase, I suggest reading this article on Facebook Syndrome – which extends to other platforms.
When you do use your mobile devices, pay attention to your health as well and use protective products Defender Shield
Here’s to hoping that social media doesn’t take over your life, and if it is taking over, I hope you open your eyes and wake up! 😉
Originally posted on February 4, 2016 @ 8:30 am
