The real question is are we addicted to social media or…
Updated 29/05/2024:
Confession time: we’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media, a seemingly endless parade of poolside selfies, perfectly plated meals, and dream vacations. A nagging voice whispers, “Is this what life is supposed to look like? Am I doing it wrong?”
This constant comparison game, this pressure to curate a flawless online existence, might be a symptom of a deeper disconnect. Are we so busy building online personas that we’re neglecting to build fulfilling lives?
Think about it. Have text messages and social media updates become the norm for communication, pushing aside face-to-face interaction? Do you find yourself checking your phone mid-conversation, failing to be present with the person right in front of you?
Our constant connection to technology can be more than just a bad habit; it can spiral into addiction. Research from the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre highlights how technology addiction shares characteristics with substance abuse 1.
Specifically, engaging with technology triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This positive reinforcement loop makes us crave more screen time, even if it starts to negatively impact our sleep, relationships, or work performance. The lines between seeking connection and information online and needing that digital fix can blur, leaving us feeling anxious or incomplete without it. While technology offers undeniable benefits, recognizing its addictive potential is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance in our lives.
TECHNOLOGY THE NEW AMPHETAMINES
If you have caught a train recently or sat in a restaurant, you may have noticed many people who are literally addicted to their phones. Tech addiction is real! Don’t ignore the elephant in the room! It is everywhere.
According to a 2022 survey of internet users in the United States, nearly half of respondents, 48 percent, considered themselves addicted or somewhat addicted to digital devices.
Income increases the risk of Internet addiction, with 35% of those who earn $75K or more annually using the internet almost constantly, compared to 24% of those who make less than $30K.
In this interview Steven J. Manning and Nathaniel Schooler discuss the ins and outs of Tech Addiction.
Impact: This can affect mental health, with links to issues like anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. This is Episode 1 Series 8 Without Ignoring Elephants In The Room! Covering Contemporary Issues In Tech.
The dialogue serves as a powerful wake-up call, urging readers to critically examine their own relationship with technology and take proactive steps to achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. By recognizing the perils of tech addiction and implementing practical strategies, individuals can regain control and rediscover the true value of their time and attention.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into this topic, we can provide a comprehensive 10-page research document for a nominal fee of $9.95. To request this informative resource, please reach out info@influentialvisions.com or connect with Nat on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielschooler/
Content above was from here: https://legacymediahub.com/technology-the-new-amphetamines/
The Like Button Blues: Are We Building Lives or Online Personas?
It’s easy to blame social media, but perhaps the real issue lies deeper. Maybe it’s not addiction, but a societal shift towards crafting online personas instead of building genuine connections. We curate feeds that showcase the best version of ourselves, often neglecting the messy, unfiltered experiences that make us human.
There’s a fantastic video below: “Can We Auto-Correct Humanity?” that explores this concept. The video argues that the time spent on social media might not be the thief of time, but forgetting to build a fulfilling life outside the digital world could be. Think about the genuine friendships nurtured through shared experiences, the laughter echoing in a room, the comfort of a real hug. These moments, these connections – they are the cornerstones of a meaningful life, and they can’t be replicated online.
If you would like help reducing your time spent on social media marketing and to stop wasting time then please tweet me @natschooler or email info@legacymediahub.com and we will get back to you.