One of the most significant risks of social media addiction is its detrimental effect on mental health. Extensive research has shown that excessive use of social media is associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness. According to a study by Keles, McCrae, and Grealish (2020), the constant comparison to others' idealised portrayals on social media often leads to negative self-evaluations, contributing to a sense of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Social comparison theory posits that individuals evaluate their own worth by comparing themselves to others and social media amplifies this tendency by providing constant exposure to curated, often unrealistic, images of success, beauty and happiness (Festinger, 1954).
Furthermore, social media addiction can exacerbate anxiety due to the pressure to stay constantly connected and updated. The phenomenon of "fear of missing out" (FOMO) drives individuals to check their social media feeds repeatedly to avoid missing out on social events or updates from friends. This compulsive checking behaviour can lead to heightened anxiety, especially when individuals feel left out of social circles or experience cyberbullying (Przybylski et al., 2013). Over time, these negative emotions can erode mental health, leading to persistent feelings of stress and emotional exhaustion.
Social media addiction also disrupts sleep patterns, contributing to sleep disorders such as insomnia. Research has shown that excessive screen time before bed, especially engaging with stimulating content on social media, can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep (Levenson, Shensa, Sidani, Colditz, & Primack, 2016). This disruption of the natural sleep-wake cycle leads to sleep deprivation, which has been linked to worsening mood, increased stress and higher risk of developing anxiety and depression (Chellappa, 2019).
In addition to the psychological risks, social media addiction poses significant threats to physical health. The sedentary lifestyle associated with prolonged use of digital devices is one of the most concerning consequences. Users who spend long hours on social media are at greater risk of developing health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal problems. According to Tremblay et al. (2017), excessive screen time reduces opportunities for physical activity, contributing to poor physical fitness and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Social media addiction can also lead to digital eye strain, commonly referred to as "computer vision syndrome." This condition is caused by prolonged exposure to screens, leading to symptoms such as eye fatigue, blurred vision and headaches. A study by Rosenfield (2016) highlighted that the average social media user experiences significant eye strain due to the constant need to focus on screens for extended periods. Without proper eye care, long-term use of social media can exacerbate these symptoms, leading to more severe vision problems.
Moreover, the use of social media can lead to poor posture, especially when users spend extended periods slouching over smartphones or laptops. The strain on the neck, shoulders, and back can result in chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders over time. This condition, sometimes referred to as "text neck," has become increasingly prevalent among young adults and adolescents who spend significant amounts of time using social media (Neupane, Ifthikar, & Mathew, 2017). The combination of poor posture, lack of physical activity and excessive screen time can contribute to long-term health problems that affect overall well-being.
While social media is designed to foster social connections, addiction to these platforms can lead to social isolation and deteriorating interpersonal relationships. Individuals who spend excessive time on social media often neglect face-to-face interactions with friends and family, leading to weakened social bonds. This paradox of feeling connected online while becoming increasingly isolated in real life has been termed the "social displacement hypothesis" (Kraut et al., 1998).
Research suggests that individuals who are addicted to social media may experience loneliness and a lack of social fulfillment. A study by Primack et al. (2017) found that higher social media usage was associated with increased feelings of social isolation, even when individuals engaged with online communities. This is because online interactions may lack the depth and emotional richness of real-life conversations, leaving individuals feeling disconnected despite frequent digital communication.
In addition, social media addiction can expose users to negative social experiences such as cyberbullying, harassment and online trolling. These behaviours can have devastating consequences for mental health, particularly for adolescents who are more vulnerable to peer pressure and online criticism. Cyberbullying has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation among victims (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014). For individuals addicted to social media, the constant exposure to toxic online environments can lead to significant emotional distress and further isolation from real-life relationships.
Social media addiction can also have detrimental effects on academic and professional performance. Individuals who are addicted to social media often struggle with time management, as they prioritise online engagement over their academic or work-related responsibilities. This can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines and reduced productivity. In a study by Aagaard (2015), students who reported high levels of social media use also reported lower academic performance, as they found it difficult to focus on their studies due to constant distractions.
Furthermore, excessive social media use can impair cognitive function, particularly attention span and memory. The constant switching between different social media platforms and the rapid consumption of bite-sized content fragments can reduce the brain's ability to concentrate for extended periods. As a result, individuals may experience difficulties retaining information and staying focused on tasks, both in academic and professional settings (Firth et al., 2019).
In conclusion, social media addiction poses significant risks to individuals' mental, physical, social and academic or professional well-being. The compulsive nature of social media use can lead to increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and social isolation. Physically, excessive use of social media contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, digital eye strain and musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, social media addiction can weaken interpersonal relationships and impair academic or professional performance. As social media continues to play an increasingly central role in modern life, it is essential for individuals to recognise the signs of addiction and take steps to mitigate its negative effects.
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Chellappa, S. L. (2019). Circadian misalignment increases mood vulnerability in simulated shift work. Journal of Sleep Research, 28(6), e12869. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.12869
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Levenson, J. C., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., & Primack, B. A. (2016). The association between social media use and sleep disturbance among young adults. Preventive Medicine, 85, 36-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.01.001
Neupane, S., Ifthikar, A., & Mathew, A. (2017). Text neck syndrome-systematic review. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 3(7), 141-148.
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Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841-1848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.014
Rosenfield, M. (2016). Computer vision syndrome (aka digital eye strain). Optometry in Practice, 17(1), 1-10.
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