Page 70 - Cyber Safety C-7

Sometimes, people get addicted to social media just like they can get addicted to video games.
This happens when social media starts to affect their daily life. It can disturb their studies, sleep
and even their relationships with family and friends.

Factors Contributing to Social Media Addiction

Some reasons why social media can become addictive:

Instant gratification: Social media gives quick rewards like likes, comments and shares, which
make you feel good. Every time you receive these interactions, your brain releases dopamine,
a feel-good chemical that creates a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. This motivates you to
keep coming back for more, as your brain seeks that instant burst of happiness.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): FOMO or Fear of Missing Out, is a common feeling of anxiety
that arises when someone believes others are enjoying rewarding, exciting or significant
experiences that they are not part of. Many people feel the need to stay updated on what’s
happening around them, which can lead to excessive scrolling.

Escaping real life: Some people use social media to escape problems or boredom, spending
more time online instead of focusing on other tasks.

Teen Perspectives on Social Media Use

A recent survey from the Pew Research Centre found that most teens have a balanced view of
social media:

Overall feeling: Over 90% of teens aged 13-17 said that social media has a positive or neutral
effect on them, meaning they don’t see it as a bad thing in their lives.

Time spent: However, more than a third of these teens felt they spend too much time on social
media.

Difficulty quitting: A little more than half of the teens (54%) said it would be hard to give up
social media.

This suggests that, while they might not see it as entirely negative, social media has become a big
part of their daily routine, making it hard to stop.

Signs of Social Media Addiction

There are several signs that show when someone may be addicted to social media. Some of these
signs include:

Losing track of time: Spending time on social media, whether scrolling through posts or
watching videos, can make hours pass without realising it.
Constant checking: There’s a constant urge to check social media notifications, even during

important times like school, family activities or while doing homework.
Ignoring responsibilities: Spending too much time on social media can cause people to neglect
their schoolwork, hobbies or chores.

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