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ecoding Facebook addiction: Why we can’t stop scrolling
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, especially Facebook, which has billions of users. However, as the user base grows, the issue of Facebook addiction disorder (FAD) has become increasingly concerning. According to research, excessive Facebook use can cause mental health problems and have a negative impact on an individual's daily life.
"Many people feel an overwhelming urge to stop scrolling when using Facebook."
Faced with this phenomenon, it is necessary to explore why we are so strongly dependent on Facebook. First, social media is often designed with “instant feedback” at its core, allowing users to spend more time on content they like. The functions of like, comment and share attract us all the time, making us feel that the connection with others is never disconnected. This kind of constant stimulation can easily lead to addiction, especially in today's society where teenagers are more sensitive to social media.
According to a 2017 study, FAD was significantly positively correlated with narcissistic tendencies and negative mental health variables, such as depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This means that excessive use of Facebook may reflect the user's own mental health problems or further exacerbate these problems. Especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, stay-at-home orders have significantly reduced people's social activities, further pushing up the use of social media.
"During the pandemic, social isolation and the resulting stress have prompted many people to turn to the Internet for comfort."
In 2020, the documentary "The Social Dilemma" sparked widespread discussion about social media addiction. The film mentioned how social media companies exploit user psychology and use push notifications to attract users to log in again, making it impossible for people to get rid of it. The impact of social media.
Expansion of mental health consequences
As FAD grows, so do the mental health issues associated with it. A long-term study of Chinese high school students showed that students at risk of moderate to severe Internet addiction were 2.5 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms than their peers without Internet addiction problems. Such research results undoubtedly reveal the close connection between Internet addiction and mental health.
If we ignore the impact of social media on mental health, it will lead to larger social problems. Internet addiction not only affects a person’s emotional state, but can also lead to poor academic performance, estrangement from family and friends, and even social adjustment disorders.
Social influence and the deepening of the phenomenon
The social impact of Internet addiction cannot be underestimated. Studies have shown that Internet addiction not only interferes with normal social life, but also leads to the breakdown of group relationships. In particular, studies in Taiwan and Europe have found that the social relationships of some Internet addicts are significantly affected, although in some cases, it has been concluded in Taiwan that Internet addiction helps to enhance peer relationships.
As Keith W. Beard said, "A person becomes addicted when his or her psychological state is affected by excessive use of the Internet, whether in school, work or social life." Therefore, for today's society, we must realize that the Internet The potential risks of road addiction and working to find coping strategies.
Finding a solution
For individuals who wish to reduce their internet usage, turning off social media notifications is an effective solution. In addition, providing relevant self-management support can help users balance their online and offline lives. Research shows that for learners participating in massive open online courses, improving self-management can significantly reduce the time they spend on recreational Internet use.
“For many people, reframing their browsing habits can help them overcome the challenges of self-management.”
However, solving the problem of Facebook addiction requires not only individual efforts but also the joint efforts of society. The current prevalence of Internet addiction does bring serious pressure to individuals, families and even society. How to find a balance between enjoying digital convenience and maintaining mental health has become a question that everyone should think about?
