It’s fair to say that for many of us, social media has become a central part of everyday life. For some of us, it’s become a way to diarise, while for others it’s an opportunity to catch-up and stay connected with loved ones.
Of course, social media usage goes far beyond that too keeping us connected, informed and entertained. However, for some people, the line between “healthy” use and addiction can become blurred, with social media addiction on the rise.
It can have a big impact on the likes of mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing, with many needing to get help with their addiction with the support of facilities like a rehabilitation centre in Surrey to get their life back on track. With social media addiction affecting more and more of us, including potentially our loved ones, spotting the signs that someone could be living with the condition is key.
There are things you can look out for to recognise if a loved one’s relationship with social media is unhealthy. So, if you are worried, look out for the following…
Constant Checking and Inability to Disconnect
One of the most obvious signs is of course a person’s constant need to be on their phone checking notifications, messages and updates. Your loved one will feel compelled to pick up their phone during periods where they perhaps shouldn’t be, such as the moment they wake up to during meals or even when they’re in the middle of a conversation with you.
They will have compulsions to constantly scroll or refresh, which suggests that looking at social channels like X or Instagram is no longer simply a pastime, but a habit that dominates attention and time. That inability to disconnect can have a real impact on the likes of work, studies and relationships, including your own.
Mood Changes Linked to Social Media Activity
Social media can actually have a major impact on a person’s mood, and if you think that a loved one’s emotional state can be closely tied to how they’re interacting online that could well be a sign of dependency.
It could be that they are getting anxious, depressed or visibly upset by comments made on social media, or even things like less likes than expected. Jealousy or feelings of inadequacy can also be commonplace.
Of course, there’s also the flip side too, feeling elated when receiving praise or positive feedback. This cycle of highs and lows isn’t healthy and can mirror patterns found in other forms of addiction, and it can be incredibly dangerous.
Neglecting Real-Life Responsibilities and Relationships
As with any addiction, what you’ll tend to find is that your loved one is prioritising social media and their relationships across the likes of Facebook and X ahead of everyday responsibilities. That can become a real serious issue, from neglecting work or education to household chores or even real-life social obligations.
If your loved one is favouring spending time online over real-life, face-to-face interaction then there are problems, and it can lead to isolation.
Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue
Excessive use of social media, particularly late at night, can disrupt healthy sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the body’s natural production of melatonin, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. If your loved one is staying up late scrolling through their feeds or waking during the night to check their phone, they may experience chronic fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day.
Sleep deprivation not only affects physical health but can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.
Defensive or Secretive Behaviour
If you express concern about their social media use, your loved one may become defensive or dismissive. They might downplay the amount of time they spend online or become secretive about their activity, hiding their screen or quickly switching apps when others are nearby.
This defensiveness can indicate that they are aware, at some level, that their behaviour may be problematic but are struggling to confront it. Secrecy around social media usage can also contribute to feelings of guilt and further isolation.
If you recognise any of these with your loved one’s relationship with social media, then it could be time to intervene and encourage them to get the help they need. There are lots of options out there, from online resources to counselling and rehab, all of which will have a positive impact on your loved on and their relationship with social media.
