Social Media Addiction: Statistics, Effects and How to Stop

Social media has exploded in popularity and changed notably along the way over the last two decades. Over 8.06 billion people have used at least one social media platform. Social networking platforms have tripled their user base in the past decade alone. The number rose to 4.95 billion in October 2023. Surprisingly, the number of new users is on the decline.

Social media first originated in 1996. According to Our World in Data, the first social media site was Six Degrees, an online platform encouraging users to make friends. However, some would argue that Bolt.com was the first social media platform.

Social media brings like-minded individuals together, but it also has a downside. Since it's so accessible, it can be addicting. You might be wondering about your social media use. This guide will explain the signs and causes of social media addiction, including treatment options.

What is social media addiction?

Social media addiction is the uncontrollable urge to use social media. This behavioral addiction affects all ages, including teens, adults, and children. The individual's family or friends might be concerned about their use. This behavioral addiction causes them to spend most of their time on social media, which can take time away from daily responsibilities.

Social media can bring people together. But it can also cause some to isolate themselves. It can disrupt some aspects of a person's life, including school, work, interpersonal relationships, and physiological needs.

Social media addiction stats and trends

Social media has become a big part of most people's lives. It can be hard to see the impacts of social media, especially from a mental health standpoint. Aside from addiction, there are other downsides to social media, including cyberbullying, identity theft, phishing, and scams.

Social media addiction is more prevalent in young people. According to recent statistics, 4–5% of people globally are addicted to social media. In the U.S. alone, 30% of individuals struggle with compulsive social media use. Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to these risks. Over 50% of teens can't quit social media.

According to a study by Longstreet and Brooks, 210 million people worldwide are addicted to at least one social media platform. Another survey from ThinkNow reported that 26% of American men and 34% of American women suffer from social media addiction.

Meanwhile, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that teens who spend over three hours per day on social media are more likely to struggle with mental health issues. Social media addiction can also contribute to behavioral problems and antisocial behavior.

Causes of social media addiction

According to a report via Iberdorola, low self-esteem has been linked to social media addiction. Other factors can include anxiety, depression, fear of abandonment, and being dissatisfied with one's life. Social media offers a temporary escape from one's negative feelings and problems.

Some individuals might use social media to chase the fleeting feelings they get from "likes" and comments. Unfortunately, those feelings go away as soon as they arrive. The individual might continue to chase those feelings to get their fix.

Experts say that adolescents are at the highest risk of developing social media addiction. This is due to three reasons:

Impulsivity
A desire for social media influence
The need to reaffirm one's identity

Research has also shown a link between social media and mental health. While most social media platforms can create a sense of community, many have disadvantages. Some individuals can feel lonely or depressed. These negative emotions are derived from comparing one's life to others.

Signs of social media addiction

Compulsive social media use is linked to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. If you think you might have a social media addiction, it's important to be aware of the symptoms before it's too late.

How do you know if you or someone you know has a social media addiction? Signs that indicate you might be addicted to social media might include:

Excessive social media use
Feelings of "fear of missing out" when not using social media
Experiencing aggression, frustration, or irritability when not on social media
Replacing activities, interests, and hobbies with social media
Isolating oneself from friends and family to use social media
Using social media to the point that it interferes with every aspect of one's life, including work, school, and relationships
Relying on social media to escape from negative thoughts and feelings

Social media addiction impacts and effects

The average American checks their phone 344 times per day. Individuals who struggle with social media addiction use these online platforms to escape their problems. Experts warn that this behavior can lead to serious mental health problems. Social media addiction could cause co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia.

Adolescents and teens can struggle as the effects of addiction manifest physically and mentally. Social media addiction has even been linked with self-harm and suicidal ideation. Compulsive social media use can also create a false sense of reality. Social media interactions might not always be authentic. For example, young users might compare themselves to what they see.

Some studies also found that social media addiction can cause sleep deprivation in some individuals. Adolescents and teens might sleep with their phones to check notifications in the middle of the night. Sleep deprivation increases aggression, difficulty concentrating, psychological distress, substance abuse, and suicide.

Social media addiction treatment options

Social media addiction has risen in recent years. Research from the University of Michigan revealed that 210 people across the globe suffer from internet or social media addiction. California State University investigated the statistics of social media addiction in the U.S. Around 33.19 million Americans struggle with social media addiction.

However, social media addiction is not recognized as an official disorder by the DSM-5. Treatment for social media addiction includes psychotherapy, group counseling, and holistic options. Treatment can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting, as well as in a virtual environment.

Common types of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing. Individuals consult with a licensed therapist during each session. These therapists are trained to help individuals with behavioral addictions and co-occurring issues. Social media addiction doesn't have withdrawal symptoms like drug and alcohol addiction. Because of this, some individuals can recover without the need for a treatment facility.

Birches Health offers social media addiction treatment in the comfort of one’s own home. The individual would undergo an assessment, from which they would receive a formal diagnosis. Individuals receive treatment for their social media addiction and co-occurring issues.

Treatment for social media addiction involves one of the following steps with Birches Health:

You can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.

How to help someone with unhealthy social media behaviors

Most people are concerned about their loved one's social media use, including what content they might be consuming. Share your concerns with your loved one, but be sure to approach the topic sensitively.

Assure them that you want to help them. This is also not the time to scold them for their behavior. Researching social media addiction before having this discussion. You can open it up with a candid discussion about the dangers of social media.

Research reveals that scheduling family time can help take time away from technology and devices. Take a look at your social media use. Are your habits in line with what you want for your loved one?

Do you spend too much time on social media? You and your loved one can agree to reduce your usage. This could mean not scrolling through social media at night or looking only at certain times of the day.

Social media addiction tools and resources

Resources and tools can also help you open up the discussion about social media addiction. This disorder requires help from external forces, not just friends and families. If you or someone you know struggles with compulsive social media use, contact a counselor or mental health professional.

Other resources that could offer help and information include the following:

Solutions for adolescents and teens, including details on inpatient treatment by the Social Media Victims Law Center.
The ultimate guide to social media addiction from the Family Addiction Specialist.
Advice for parents on what social media is and why young people are addicted to it from ReachOut.
Advice on how teens and adolescents can protect their mental health from social media is available from the Kids Helpline.