For some people, especially introverts or those struggling with self confidence, social media is a way to connect with others. A screen is far less intense than a person standing in front of you. But does this form of interaction and engagement truly help our minds, our confidence, our perception of reality? There is still great debate on the pros and cons of social media usage in the world today- especially for younger users. In fact, there is concern now on the growing problem of social media addiction seen today in kids and young adults. San Diego State University has found shocking evidence about screen addiction and how social media has not helped the growing epidemic. According to a study from Dr. Jean M. Twenge teens are 74 percent more likely to have trouble sleeping and twice as likely to see a professional for mental health issues than their 1980’s counterparts. The study conducted of 216 kids, showed 30 percent of internet users displayed signs of depression with the depressed kids being the most intense web users. Unfortunately, brain-imaging studies on the effects of screen time show concerning evidence on the growing problem of social media addiction, and blue screen addiction as a whole for that matter. Social media addiction research shows it can neurologically damage developing brains. Hence the importance of finding help for yourself or someone you love addicted to social media as soon as possible.
Why Social Media Addiction Is An Alarming Concern For Us All
While social media can seem like a mindless and relaxing fun way to spend a few minutes here and there, it actually has a significant effect on our brain. Dopamine specifically, the feel good chemical our brain loves, is released thanks to the social media magic of our favorite apps. These neurotransmitters are associated with pleasure, and gives the person using social media a sense of happiness and pleasure. Hence the path toward becoming addicted to the next scroll, like, and re-blog. Perhaps the biggest reasons to blame for the growing problem of social media addiction. Overusing social networking sites can result in many health and personal relationship problems also seen in other addictions. The effects of social media addiction include anxiety or depression, increased isolation, decreased physical activity, low self-esteem, and poor work or school performance, among many others. Additionally, young adults tend to be the most affected by the growing problem of social media addiction. About 90% of those aged 18-29 use social media in some form with 15% of those aged 23-38 admitting that they are addicted to social media. With an interesting aspect of affecting young single women significantly higher.
Then there is the topic of why the growing problem of social media addiction should be a concern for us all. Believe it or not, the negative effects of social media addiction on society can lead people towards not only bad mental and physical health disorders- but also pressured nudity, violence, poverty, and crime. It wasn’t too long ago that we all heard on the news about a social media mob hitting innocents by getting carried away from rumors spread on the internet. Next up is the unhealthy imagery, most often edited or filtered, of beautiful body images online. Products secretly sold behind images and personalities found all over social media platforms. This type of false imagery used online leaves those suffering with positive body self confidence an even harder chance to love their own skin. Potentially affecting an entire community of people, whom instead of interacting and thriving together, find solace at home alone. Healthy communities need healthy inhabitants, who actively live their life without the use of a screen.
How Dr. Kardaras Is Combatting The Growing Problem Of Social Media Addiction
Co-founder of Omega Recovery, Dr. Kardaras is on a mission to help those most vulnerable to social media addiction. When it comes to treatment, Dr. Kardaras utilizes all forms of successful therapy used today in helping those addicted to social media reclaim their life. Dr. Kardaras is an Ivy-League educated psychologist, internationally renowned speaker, and one of the country’s foremost addiction experts. He is also a former Clinical Professor at Stony Brook Medicine where he specialized in teaching the neurophysiology and recovery techniques for addiction. Dr. Kardaras has also taught neuropsychology at the doctoral-level and has worked closely in developing clinical protocols with Dr. Howard Shaffer, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Director of their Division Of Addiction. He frequently presents and lectures on the subjects of mental health, philosophy, and addiction. With a personal focus on screen addiction of all forms- blue screen, video game, and social media addiction. Dr. Kardaras understands the growing problem of social media addiction and is on the front lines of bringing awareness. Stating; “We have, as a society, gone all-in on tech. So we don’t want some buzzkilling truth sayers telling us that the emperor has no clothes and that the devices that we’ve all so fallen in love with can be a problem” — especially for kids and their developing brains, he adds. Through extensive research and treatment, including clinical trials with diagnosed social media addicts, Dr. Kardaras explores the alarming reality of how children could be “stunting their own creative abilities” by constantly turning on and tuning in.
How Omega Recovery Addresses The Growing Problem Of Social Media Addiction
Successfully beating addiction is at the core of Omega Recovery, as we understand the growing problem of social media addiction in today’s world. It is our mission to welcome, nurture, and care for individuals and families through their journey of recovery by empowering their restoration & healing from debilitating addiction. At Omega Recovery we take pride in providing dynamic programs that address the Whole Self of each client that walks thru our door. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff help clients transform a shame core to a love core through cultivating meaningful human connection, intimacy, and purposeful living. We understand the beauty that can come from social media use, while also knowing it’s harmful effects that can lead to addiction. Dr. Kardaras, a pioneer in acknowledgment and treatment of blue screen addiction has helped lead the way for so many toward recovery. At Omega Recovery, we know first hand the pain and suffering that comes from active social media addiction. Which is exactly why we are here for you and those you love most toward finding successful recovery.
