Last Updated:

January 27th, 2025

Social Media Addiction

Social media has become ever-present in our day-to-day lives. Since the social media boom of the early 2010s, it is becoming increasingly rare for people to not engage with at least one form of social media. Whether you use Facebook and LinkedIn or prefer TikTok and Instagram, there are now over 14 social media platforms to choose from.

Whilst it is quite common for the average person’s screen time to creep above the recommended daily use, not all of us are social media addicts. There is a line between frequent and excessive social media use and dependent, obsessive social media use. When this line is crossed, you can quickly fall into the trap of social media addiction.  But with general use increasing, what are the social media addiction symptoms that we should be looking out for? What is the prevalence of this type of addiction, and how damaging can it be?

What is social media addiction?

Social media addiction occurs when someone obsessively uses social media applications. This can include thinking about or focusing on social media when not accessing it and feeling a great attachment to specific apps and websites. Social media addiction is a subtype of internet addiction, a behavioural addiction initially established in 1996. The first ‘studied’ case of internet addiction involved the use of online services for over sixty hours a week. We can identify, then, that when the amount of time spent online – on social media or otherwise – is too high, it may be associated with addictive tendencies.

Alongside excessive hours of use, social media addiction is frequently accompanied by a lack of satisfaction from being online. Some people even report feeling that their social media time makes them feel low, anxious, depressed or painfully self-conscious. Yet many people with a social media addiction will not cease use, even when this is the case.

Signs of a social media addiction

One of the key signs of any addiction is recognising the negative effects of engaging yet continuing to do so. This is often associated with the specific biology of addiction and how the brain’s structure and function can become significantly altered by excessive engagement with an addictive stimulus.

Accompanying this is a range of other signs that social media addiction help may be needed:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Spending increased amounts of time online
  • Using social media instead of sleeping, working or eating
  • Communicating through social media rather than in person
  • Becoming shy or experiencing communication difficulties outside of social media
  • Fixating on social media numbers (number of friends, likes, comments, story views or reshares)
  • Changing elements of your appearance or lifestyle to align better with social media
  • ‘Doom Scrolling’ to avoid difficult thoughts and feelings
  • Only taking images with filters
  • Altering your appearance through Photoshop or filters
  • Excessively following social media trends
  • Sore or strained eyes
  • Anxiety when separated from your mobile phone
  • Leaving the house less

Social media addiction UK statistics

According to a 2024 news report, ‘almost half of British teenagers say they feel addicted to social media.’ Out of 7000 respondents to a survey, 45% agreed that they think they are ‘addicted to social media.’ This was the case for 57% of young girls and 37% of young boys. Whilst this data does not reflect the need for clinical assistance, this ‘perceived lack of control’ is concerning as it indicates an awareness of social media use and widespread problematic consequences.

What causes social media addiction?

One of the reasons why social media is so addictive is that it is so accessible. For many addictions (such as drug addiction or gambling), engagement with the addictive stimuli is somewhat limited by social norms and access. When we are trying to live a sober life, people around us often respect our wishes and avoid drinking in front of us, for example. Access to social media, however, is constant. Over time, this can burgeon into a reliance that becomes deeply problematic and very difficult to avoid.

On a neurochemical level, social media use activates the dopamine cells in our brains. As dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, these bursts of social media usage can quickly become linked with feeling positive emotions. However, over time, we may find that we need to spend more time on social media to stimulate the same feeling. This can lead us to spend extended periods of time to get the same ‘hit’ of dopamine.

Social media addiction is prevalent across demographics. Statistics do suggest that this type of dependency is especially common in the younger generations, as well as in girls. However, developing a social media age is possible regardless of your personal characteristics. This means that groups who may have previously been shielded from addictive stimuli are suddenly exposed to potentially addictive behaviours through social media engagement.

The dangerous impact of social media addiction

Whilst it is true that social media addiction does not carry some of the risks that accompany other conditions, such as substance use disorders, this does not mean that this form of addiction is harmless. Social media addictions are associated with a range of both short and long-term impacts that can seriously impede our wellbeing.

Short-term impact

  • Insomnia
  • Appearing attached to a phone or laptop
  • Appearing quieter than usual in social settings
  • Sore eyes
  • Headaches
  • Reduced exercise
  • Avoidance of social activities
  • Appearing angry, irritable or tearful
  • Seeming self-critical

Long-term impact

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Isolation
  • Social withdrawal
  • Agoraphobia
  • Difficulty communicating with others
  • Difficulty maintaining a job
  • Reduced attainment in education settings
  • Migraines
  • Postural related pains
  • Deterioration in eyesight
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Perfectionism
  • Eating disorders
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal ideation

Effects on mental health

Increased use of social media has been linked to higher tendencies towards eating disorders, body image issues, sleep disturbance, self-harm, paranoia and suicide risk. This makes social media a palpable threat to mental health when not used in a safe and measured manner.

Social Media Addiction Treatment

At UKAT London Clinic, we understand how destructive an addiction to social media can be. For this reason, we offer bespoke treatment programmes to assist you in accessing social media addiction resources in a supportive, judgement-free environment.

Suitable treatments for this type of addiction include:

  • Group therapy
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Holistic therapy
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
  • Prescribed medications

Seek Support

If you or a loved one is struggling with a social media addiction, it can be overwhelming but not something you have to face alone. Contact a member of our compassionate and experienced team who can talk you through our programmes designed to tackle excessive online use. You’ll be empowered as you take that first step toward a more balanced life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is social media addiction dangerous?
Social media addiction is dangerous, as individuals can get sucked into a world of filters and editing. It can become increasingly difficult, over time, to identify what is real and what is not. This distortion of reality can heighten the various mental health effects that can be catalysed by social media addiction.
What is the Bergen social media addiction scale?
The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) is a psychological assessment tool designed to measure addiction to social media. Developed by researchers led by Dr. Cecilie Andreassen at the University of Bergen, the scale is based on core addiction elements such as salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse. These elements are adapted specifically to social media use.
How do I stop being on social media?
To reduce or stop social media use, set clear goals and limit your usage with app timers or digital wellbeing features. Identify and avoid triggers, turn off notifications, and clean up your feeds by unfollowing accounts that don’t add value. Replace social media time with alternative activities like reading or exercising, and use productivity tools to block access during certain times. Be mindful of your habits, seek support from friends or family, and regularly reflect on the benefits of reduced usage. If needed, consider gradual reduction or professional help to achieve your goals.

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