Social media addiction

Social media addiction isn’t just about spending too much time online – it is a condition rooted in the way the platforms are designed and how our brains respond to them. Here is a closer look at some of the factors that can lead to an addiction to social media:

Dopamine release

Social media use can actually produce dopamine hits in the same way that food, drugs and alcohol can. When somebody likes your photo or shares your post, you can get a little rush of pleasure, which can be habit-forming over time and keep you glued to your devices.

The illusion of connection

Social media creates the illusion that you stay connected and informed with seemingly “important” content, making quitting hard. This fear of missing out on the latest gossip, news or trends drives you to keep checking in, even when you know you should be doing something else.

Temporary escape

Real life can be slow and messy but social media can seem to offer quick fixes with a funny meme, heartwarming video or snappy comment instantly lifting your mood. But these little bursts of joy don’t last, and you can get stuck in an endless loop, chasing that next hit of happiness.

Inherently addictive content

The content you see isn’t random – it is carefully curated to keep you hooked because this makes money for the platforms. Algorithms analyse your every click, showing you more of what you like and less of what you don’t. This can become a personalised trap that keeps you scrolling for hours without even realising how much time you are spending.

Social media addiction can deeply affect every part of your life, often causing harm before you even realise there is an issue. Here are some of the most dangerous consequences:

Mental health struggles

Social media anxiety can cause or worsen anxiety, stress and depression. The pressure to measure up to others’ highlight reels can make you feel like you’re never good enough, and the disappointment when your posts don’t get the feedback you hoped for can seriously affect your self-esteem.

Problems for young people

Teenagers and young adults are the biggest users of social media and hours spent online can cause problems at school at university. The distractions can make it hard to focus, setting you up for a tough time academically. Being on social media a lot also exposes young people to cyberbullying or dangerous content which can have real-world consequences.

Strained relationships

Being on your phone or tablet all the time can make you ignore your family and friends. This can make you feel very lonely and hurt your real-life relationships.

Relationship problems

The digital world can create a wall between you and the people who matter most. Constant screen time can make your family and friends feel ignored or unimportant, leading to arguments, misunderstandings and, eventually, loneliness.

Physical health problems

Hours of sitting and staring at screens can take a toll on your body. You may gain weight from inactivity, experience back pain from poor posture or even have frequent headaches and eye strain from too much screen time. Social media addiction can also affect your sleep, which can make physical health problems worse.

Oasis Runcorn offers a comprehensive social media addiction treatment programme designed to help you regain control and build a healthier relationship with technology.

The first step is a digital detox. This means stepping away from your screens and giving your mind and body a much-needed break. Detox helps you start fresh so you can approach social media in a healthier way moving forward.

Once your mind is feeling clearer, rehab takes a forensic look at some of the reasons behind your social media addiction, which were explained above. Our therapists and counsellors will work with you to explore any personal issues, whether they are loneliness, anxiety, or a need for validation. You will undergo various forms of therapy, which will help you uncover these triggers and develop strategies to break free from addictive patterns.

After you have completed rehab, Oasis Runcorn offers free weekly group therapy sessions for a full year after you return home and lifelong membership to our Alumni Network. These provide a supportive community where you can share your experiences, stay accountable and continue to grow.

If social media is taking over your life, Oasis Runcorn is here to help you break free from the digital prison and thrive in the real world. With our comprehensive treatment programme, you will be able to pull the plug on social media addiction and start living again. Reach out to us today and take back control of your life.