TikTok, Instagram, YouTube… the number of social networks that offer addictive and tempting designs, especially for the youngest, is currently one of the reasons that has led the European Union to consider banning options on these platforms such as ‘infinite scroll’ .
The University Clinic of Hamburg has concluded that 2.6% of adolescents have an addiction to social networks based on a sample of 1,001 boys and girls between 12 and 17 years old, which those responsible considered an “alarming” figure. .
Andrea Vizcaíno Cuenca, psychologist and CEO of Policlínica Maio, considers addiction to social networks “a real and growing problem in both adolescents and adults” for several reasons: “The addict to social networks makes excessive use (happens much more time planned online), he constantly thinks about it when he is not using the networks, feels the need to share everything he does and usually experiences anxiety, irritability or discomfort when he cannot access the networks,” explains the expert.
The results of this addiction are many and dangerous: “It can contribute to mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. The constant comparison with other users and the search for validation through interactions on social networks can negatively affect the mental health of young people,” says Vizcaíno.
In addition, he also comments on other adverse effects: “It can lead to social isolation in real life. Young people may spend so much time online that they neglect face-to-face interactions, which can affect their social skills and personal relationships. It can also take away from study time and concentration on schoolwork, which can result in poor academic performance,” she says.
On the other hand, this addiction “can affect the quality of sleep”, because “excessive use of social networks, especially before sleeping, can interfere with sleep patterns.”
Given this situation, measures arise such as the proposal by the European Parliament to assess whether addictive designs such as the ‘infinite scroll’ should be prohibited, to which the expert reflects: “It would be a good step, but not the definitive solution. Eliminating the ‘infinite scroll’ could help users realize how long they have been using the app,” she highlights.
“That is, if there comes a point where simply moving my finger does not bring me more content and requires me to make more efforts, perhaps at that point I will stop and stop using the app. To design change measures such as eliminating infinite scrolling, awareness-raising work, education on the healthy use of technology and possibly the implementation of time limits and digital well-being functions should be added,” concludes Vizcaíno.
What they have in their hands to stop an addiction to social networks in time in many cases are the parents, who should keep some fundamental points in mind: “The most important thing is the time of use (having very clear limits of time of use that they do not put themselves above basic aspects for their biopsychosocial development) and on the other hand I would tell you to set an example, to be a good model. That we ourselves, as parents, make good use of the networks so that they see that they can be used without your life being involved in it.”
Addiction to social networks is another contemporary problem that requires specialized training to care for those affected by this phenomenon that, according to the data, shows no signs of stopping.
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