The advent of the Internet and the abundant popularity of sites such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook has made it possible for a new sort of addiction to emerge. Increasing numbers of individuals are now beginning to show the hallmarks of a social media website addiction, something which mental health professionals suggest can wreak real havoc on their personal and perhaps professiona lives if formal treatment is not sought.

Notions of acquiring an addiction to social media use are rapidly gaining very real credibility. Research conducted by the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology recently revealed that an alarming volume of students show the hallmarks of true dependency not unlike those seen in drug and alcohol addicts.

During the study, scientists took steps to block social media access to anyone using the univerity IP address. It was found that high numbers of students, some of whom checked Facebook hour after hour per day, demonstrated the same behaviors as tobacco users attempting to surreptitiously smoke a cigarette. Many of these subjects used smart phones to skirt the system and get their social media fix.

1. The Many Faces Of Addiction

When most people think of “addicts,” their minds turn to individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs. The truth is that it is indeed possible for people to develop addictions to things that might be rather less obvious. In general terms, addiction is problematic if it has negative effects on a person’s relationships, work life or other facets of living. There are many things in life that have the potential to turn into an addiction, including food, video games, the Internet, gambling and, yes, social media.

Researchers have suggested that the use of social media triggers releases of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. These are the same substances that are present in those addicted to opioids and alcohol. The truth is that an addiction to social media can, in some people, be even more powerful than addiction to drinking or drugs.

2. Challenges In Recognizing Addiction

It is often the case that an addiction starts out merely as a habit. The fact that social media is something that people use often and regularly, it is not surprising that certain individuals end up with an addiction. The role of peer influence in connection with social media use is another powerful element at play. The normalization of social media use makes spotting an addiction problem quite challenging. Because so many people consider social media use an everyday part of life, it can be difficult for someone to call another to account for what they view as excessive engagement with the platforms.

3. Building A Supportive, Encouraging Environment

Instead of acting out of anger or attempting to impose draconian limits, it is better to offer an employee struggling with social media addiction a sense of support and understanding. Perhaps you should put into place a series of restrictions on social media site use in the workplace.That way, you can limit the amount of time one can spend using social media, but do so without identifying a particular individual.

You might also consider instituting an employee assistance initiative designed to provide confidential counseling for those who are struggling. In this way, affected individuals will feel free to discuss their concerns openly instead of allowing them to fester and grow.

To some, the topic of social media addiction may sound frivolous or perhaps even fictional. But the reality is quite serious for many. If you are among those who suspect that social media use is dominating your daily life or you are worried about a loved one, there are several things about which you need to remain vigilant.

One warning sign has to do with seemingly constant snapping of photos or selfies on the phone so that they can be uploaded to social sites. Individuals afflicted with social media addiction are known for taking photos all the time, including of things like meals they buy or prepare. This type of habit is very irritating, especially to those nearby. Waking at all hours of the night to glance at social media notifications is another troubling sign. Looking at social sites while in the middle of other activities such as cooking or cleaning is also alarming behavior.

The practice of “checking in” on a social media site when going about one’s daily activities may be cause for concern as well. Having trouble concentrating enough on work or school because of social media distractions may mean that addiction is close at hand.

Finding it difficult or unpleasant to engage in face-to-face interactions and preferring online communication is another red flag, as is having more “friends” online than in actual life. Considering social media connections that you have never met to be your friends is truly troubling.

Treating Social Media Addiction

The phenomenon of social media addiction is relatively novel, and that is why treatment professionals do not always know where to turn. As such, many rely on treatment options used for other forms of addiction. Currently, we look to treatment protocols for sex addiction, alcoholism, drug dependency and the like for solutions on how to handle social media addiction. This is because such behaviors have a fair amount in common. The first thing that must be done to fight social media addiction is to honestlhy admit that there is a problem.

Most agree that someone who spends so much time on social media sites that basic functions of daily life are neglected is likely to be suffering from an addiction. One who clearly favors online interactions to in-person ones is probably struggling this condition. Individuals who no longer have an interest in people and things they used to love should be careful observed to spot the hallmarks of social media addiction.

At its most serious, this sort of addiction has the potential to do real damage in that it commands control of a person’s whole life. Decisions will be made based on how they impact social media use and how to fit additional social media engagement into the day’s schedule. Choosing social media use over other things is a danger sign that must not be ignored.

If a professional determines that a social media addiction does in fact exist, there are some conventional treatment steps that will be employed. First, online time will be limited to so that the addict can begin to taper down their use. While some people may benefit from full abstinence from social media, others will do better with just a reduction in time spent.

Formal counseling of the sort used to treat alcoholism and drug dependency can also prove helpful, particularly cognitive behavioral therapies. Though originally meant to assist with depression and other mental health concerns, it workds quite well in the treatment of a range of addictions.

Support groups can be tremendously useful for those struggling with social media addiction. Groups are great for demanding accountability from members, something which has been shown as effective in combatting addictions of all types. The members of such groups support each other and provide a shoulder to lean on when things get challenging.

Acquiring the skills necessary to cope with social media addiction is a critical step in the healing process. The difference between this type of path and those tread by drug and alcohol addicts is the fact that the Internet and social media are ubiquitous parts of society these days and cannot simply be avoided in their entirety. As such, it is vital that addicts learn how to live with these tools and develop a health relationship with them that does not consume them fully.