At what point are you considered a social media addict? Find out here what constant screen time does to your psyche, what consequences it can have, and how you can get out of it.
Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp – social media accompanies many people throughout their day. A few minutes of scrolling quickly turns into hours. But At what point do we actually speak of social media addiction?
And what does this constant online presence do to our psyche?
When is someone considered social media addicted?
When social media is no longer just a pastime, but you feel not being able to stop, it can become problematic.
Typical signs:
You constantly reach for your mobile phone reflexively – even without a specific reason
You spend several hours on social media every day – and it’s difficult for you to cut back
You feel restless or irritable when you don't have a connection or a mobile phone at hand
You neglect other areas of life (e.g. sleep, hobbies, real social contacts)
Important: A Social media addiction is a Behavioral addiction – similar to gambling addiction or shopping addiction. And it can have real effects on your well-being.
What does social media do to our psyche?
Social media activates the brain's reward system. Likes, messages, or new content lead to small dopamine hits – which motivate us to keep checking back.
In the long term this can:
reduce focus and concentration
negatively influence self-esteem (through constant comparison)
Trigger stress, sleep problems and overexertion
Young people in particular often feel under pressure to be constantly available or “perfect.”
What are the consequences of social media addiction?
Those who spend too much time online over a long period of time can suffer both physically and mentally:
lack of sleep by constantly scrolling until late at night
Social isolationbecause real contacts are becoming rarer
Restlessness, nervousness and irritability
difficulty concentrating
Low moods or depressive moods through constant comparison with others
How do you get over social media addiction?
The good news: It's possible to regain control over your media use. These steps will help:
Consciously limit usage time – e.g. with app trackers or fixed offline times
Turn off push notificationsto reduce stimuli
Incorporate conscious breaks: Put away your mobile phone, get some fresh air, have real conversations
Replace social media with alternativesthat are good for you: sports, music, reading, creative hobbies
If you find it difficult to do it alone, psychological counseling It can be useful – low-threshold, without pressure, and completely individualized. Boost4u also offers support for this.
Conclusion:
Social media can connect—but it can also be a burden. If you feel like your use is getting out of hand, you're not alone. It's worth taking a look—and gradually regaining more freedom in your real life.
In Luxembourg, psychological counseling services offer support for parents, adolescents, and adults who desire lasting change. Contact us for more information! Make an appointment at Boost4u. We support you with one online advice on your path to emotional well-being!
