A dose of 1,000 likes: a new form of addiction

2024-07-14

With the rise of social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, the number of likes and followers has become an important social indicator. For many users, especially among young people, likes have become a source of self-esteem and recognition. This has led to the emergence of a new form of addiction - addiction to likes.

Psychological aspects of addiction to likes

Addiction to likes can be explained in terms of psychology. Receiving likes stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, which causes feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Over time, this leads to the formation of an addiction in which the user needs more and more likes to achieve the same level of pleasure.

Symptoms of a likes addiction can include:

  • Constantly refreshing the newsfeed in anticipation of new likes.
  • Feeling anxious and irritable at the lack of likes.
  • Constantly comparing yourself to other users.
  • Decreased self-esteem when there are not enough likes.

Statistics and research

According to various studies, addiction to likes is a growing problem. Consider the data from a 2023 study of teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 25.

Statistics on addiction to likes among teens and young adults

From the graph below, you can see that teens between the ages of 14 and 17 are the most susceptible to addiction to likes. This can be attributed to the fact that during this period, personality and self-esteem are being formed and teenagers are more vulnerable to external recognition.

 chart: distribution of dependence on likes by age groups

chart: Average time spent on social networks by age group

We can also observe how long time on social media affects sleep quality

chart: the impact of time spent on social networks on sleep quality

At the same time, we can see how social media affects stress levels and productivity

chart: the impact of social networks on stress levels

Impact on mental health

Addiction to likes can have a significant impact on mental health. It can lead to:

  • Increased anxiety and depression.
  • Social isolation due to excessive time spent on social media.
  • Sleep disturbance due to constant use of devices.
  • Impaired concentration and attention span.

Ways to overcome addiction

Overcoming addiction to likes requires a comprehensive approach:

  1. Awareness: Recognizing the problem and realizing its impact on life.
  2. Time Limitation: Setting limits on social media use.
  3. Support: Seeking help from friends, family or professionals.
  4. Alternative activities: Find hobbies or activities that are enjoyable outside of social media.
  5. Social media detox: Temporarily or permanently stop using social media.

Conclusion

Addiction to likes is a serious problem that needs attention from both users and society at large. It is important to develop awareness and seek alternative sources of satisfaction and self-esteem.

This is the only way to prevent the negative impact of social media on mental health and improve quality of life.