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  Addiction is one of the major mental and psychological health problems in the world today. According to several studies, addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.
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People become addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, fast food, sleep, masturbation, pornography, narcotics, video games, television, work, caffeine, etc. In recent times, social addiction appears to be the most disturbing addiction since the 2010s. Millions are so addicted to social media despite how it negatively affects their private life, family, school work, office work, and social life in general. In a world where people literally live their entire lives on social media, scientists have warned that social media addiction is far more harmful than we think. In this article, we will review 6 ways to overcome social media addiction.

  • Acknowledge That You Are Addicted

The first step to overcome addiction to social networks is that you must recognize that you are addicted to them and that you must take the appropriate measures to overcome them. Not only do you understand that you are addicted, but also admit that you have a life-threatening problem.

  • Challenge Yourself

Challenging yourself to overcome addiction can be a difficult thing to do. However, many have found ways to challenge themselves to overcome worst addictions like food, sex, and drugs, in many interesting ways. Many have labelled this challenge as “detox.” What does this mean? Many have detoxed from social media for a month or more. While some have popularized challenges like # 30DayWithoutSocialMedia. The aftermath of this detox is that they discovered themselves and started doing what they loved. You can start with three days, then gradually you can take on the one-month challenge of social media detox. And you can make this fun by doing it with friends and family.

  • Set Your Priorities

One of the most effective steps in fighting addiction is setting your priorities right. Ask yourself critical questions like: Do I prefer more likes on social media or a family breakdown caused by my inattention? Would I rather spend more time on Facebook and get an “F” grade in school? Would I rather spend more time on Instagram scrolling and liking images than losing my job? Should I spend more time on Instagram at the expense of my personal growth and development? Your answers to these questions and more can help you set your priorities right.
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  • High-Tech Method

In an attempt to help reduce the time you spend on the internet, software companies have developed PC programs that monitor the time you spend on the internet and remotely notify you that your time to access the internet is limited daily. Once you have reached your limit, the program will cut off your access to your social networks and the internet until the next day. It is a very effective method.
  • Do Things The Old-Fashioned Way
One of the things that attract and keeps your eyes glued to the screen for hours is the need to stay informed and entertained. However, getting information may sound nice, but you must realize that your mental health is gradually being affected through addiction. Today, devices are equipped with reading and gaming apps, and we may want to use them for much more productive things, like reading. However, we can replace these applications with old-fashioned things. You can replace reading apps with real books and get information by listening to radios and reading newspapers, and gaming apps with board games. Instead of getting addicted to selfies for Facebook and Instagram, you can grab a camera along with you.

  • Develop Good Social Habits Or Set Some Rules

It’s common to see people on a date or in conversation glued to their smartphones. You can easily observe these acts in cafes or other places. Make a habit or set of rules of keeping your phones in your pockets or purses, turning off internet access during appointments or meetings, or leaving your smartphone at home when you go to a date in a coffee shop, or to a meeting in places with an Internet connection such as museums and libraries. Put yourself under restrictions just to enjoy the conversation with the people in front of you. Sources: Nestler E. J. (December 2013). “Cellular basis of memory for addiction”. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 15 (4): 431–443. Featured Image Source: Medical News Today
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This article was first published on 19th August 2021

nnaemeka-emmanuel

Nnaemeka is an academic scholar with a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a creative writer, content creator, storyteller, and social analyst.

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