If you’re reading this right now, then you’re using some type of technology to do so. Whether it be a smartphone or computer, technology has become a part of everyone’s daily use, including mine. Growing up my mother always used to say, “the more the merrier” but I think that only applies to food. With technology, the more you use it, the more damage it can do to you. From technology birthed social media, and the birth of social media created a new kind of addiction. If you were to tell me 10 years ago that I’d be addicted to an app, I’d probably laugh in your face. But to my dismay, I find myself checking Instagram every day, in fact, it’s the first thing I do in the morning! It may sound silly to some, but I know I’m not alone.
Social media has become such an addiction that scientists and researchers have done many studies on how and why people get addicted to social media, like why checking your social media or your notifications becomes compulsive. If you can’t go a couple of hours without having to check your phone, you may have an addiction too. I never thought a social media addiction could be a bad thing. There are some good addictions though, right? I know some people who are addicted to things like the gym, eating healthy, and dental hygiene. Social media though is not in the same category. Originally, I thought the more social media the better because it can connect you to loved ones, network with people from around the world, and get instant news updates.
I’ve been using social media since I got my first iPod touch in 2012. Looking back on all those years now, I can recognize a lot of unhealthy and negative things about social media. I’ve found myself many nights losing sleep from not being able to put my phone down and just getting sucked into whatever app I was on. I have also experienced depression from cyberbullying while in middle school… pre-teens can be harsh okay. I also developed an eating disorder when I was younger due to the social standards of women that were expected and developed on social media. Although I don’t struggle with those anymore, it is still hard not to compare my life to everyone else on social media showing off their luxuries and accomplishments. I’m not alone in this though, because many people have developed mental illnesses due to social media.
Now I know using social media after reading this can be intimidating, but just keep in mind everything is what you make of it. Social media can still be good if you’re the one in control, just don’t let it control you.
Amber Hubenschmidt 