Facebook addiction might seem like an innocent occupation that doesn’t result in the normal tragedies of other addictions like alcohol, drugs, gambling, and sex , but research has demonstrated that social media obsession is a serious issue – and it’s on the rise .
The Facebook website is immensely popular , a place where people can correspond with each other on a user-friendly , online based interactive environment . Social media communities like Facebook have exploded to include hundreds of millions of new users , and as a result people are adding new areas to their social lives by living ‘through’ the online experience.
How do you know if you, or a colleague or family member is showing signs of Facebook addiction? There are many strong indicators that could mean a dependency is developing , and it’s these indicators that have so much in common with other forms of addiction.
An addict for example, isolates themselves to pursue their addiction, as it takes up a large amount of their time and makes it impossible to maintain healthy relationships . An addiction to Facebook has left scores of people so involved with their online world that relationships with family and friends have suffered.
Children spend less time with their parents and siblings, co-workers spend their breaks on Facebook instead of talking to colleagues . It actively removes the addict from reality and instead offers them an idealised version of reality where anything is possible and information is readily available, about anyone and everyone.
With Facebook becoming the social habit of the world, businesses, families and friends have become less important in reality. The Facebook addict will go online dozens of times a day, constantly on the look out for any interaction that will draw them in.
Often this compulsion is driven by the messages, invitations and IM’s that could appear at any time on their Facebook pages. Receiving such interaction is not only rewarding but satisfying, as other Facebookers reach out to include them in their lives.
Facebook addiction has led to many offices banning the social media platform at work, because it has such a weakening effect on productivity. With employees losing hours on Facebook to connect with their online friends, it has proven to be a massive draw that many simply can’t resist .
If you feel anxious or agitated in situations where you are unable to check your Facebook page, the chances are you heading into the snare of dependency . The first step to recovery is to be aware of the problem and set personal goals to moderate your activity on Facebook.
Revert to old methods of contacting your friends, and stop the email notifications filling up your inbox everyday. Facebook addiction can be just as dangerous as other forms of addiction. It can ruin relationships, hurt friendships and force you into a cyber world where nothing is real.
If you find it uncomfortable to stop checking your Facebook page, and people start pointing out how often you are on it, then you need to talk to someone who can help you break this destructive habit.