Let's Talk Teens, Addictions and Mental Health
Many parents ask: What are risk factors for addiction? How can we find a solution to the problem of social media addiction? What is the cause of social media addiction?
To help answer some of these complex questions, I thought I would write about one of the 3 main addictions facing teens today, Social Media Abuse.
Without a doubt, the largest addiction facing teenagers today is their consumption of social media. Research shows again and again, that the more social media consumed, the more anxiety and depression, eating disorders, decreased executive functioning, poor emotional and behavioral regulation, ADHD symptoms, and over all decreased mental health is experienced. Social media is killing your mood, and doom scrolling is not going to make you feel happy.
The problem for teens is even worse.
Social media abuse and addiction refers to excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms, leading to negative consequences in various areas of life, including mental health. Teenagers are particularly susceptible to this addiction due to their developmental stage, where they are seeking social connections, validation, and a sense of identity.
One of the significant consequences of social media addiction is the negative impact on mental health. Excessive use of social media can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Constantly comparing oneself to the carefully curated and often unrealistic portrayals of others' lives on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a distorted perception of reality. This can exacerbate existing mental health issues or even trigger new ones.
Moreover, social media addiction can disrupt sleep patterns, as many teenagers tend to use their devices late into the night, affecting their overall well-being. Lack of sleep can further contribute to mood disturbances and difficulties in concentration and academic performance.
The addictive nature of social media platforms, with their constant notifications, likes, and comments, can also lead to a sense of dependency and a fear of missing out (FOMO). This constant need for validation and the fear of being left out can create significant emotional distress in teens.
As I have stated many times before, boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. They are more important than ever now-a-days, and tougher than ever. Even Steve Jobs never wanted his kids to have an iPhone…
Come heal, grow and create together
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