According to the University of Maine nearly 4.8 billion people around the world use social media. That may seem like a lot but there is a rapid growth of over 410,000 per day. Tik Tok is the app that’s spent the most with nearly 31 hours and 32 minutes on Tik Tok monthly. 

However, do we truly know what social media can do? Two major mental health issues can arise, depression and anxiety according to the National Library of Medicine. In this study not only the causes came about but also the addiction that comes from social media. 

Many students say they don’t realize how much time they spend scrolling until they check their screen time.  “five or six hours,” Engel said. 

In recent years social media has become a popular activity. According to the Addiction Center nearly 5-10% of Americans meet social media addiction. Why exactly do people get addicted since it’s not a drug? When using social media it releases a dopamine similar to those who are recreational drug users and those who experience gambling addictions. 

A recent study by the Addiction Center found that likes, shares, and retweets cause the brain’s reward area to trigger the same chemical reaction to cocaine. In fact, neuroscientists have compared social media interaction to a syringe of dopamine being injected straight into the system.

After learning how the brain reacts to notifications, “Not really, because I don’t just scroll, I talk to people on my phone,” Engel said. 

Another study by Harvard University has found that when experiencing the reward trigger they also experience it as a positive experience. When feeling like you’re glued to your phone there is a reason for all of this. 

Madi Engel admitted there are times they feel unable to put their phone down, “I mean maybe at times, yeah, but I feel like I can put it down, if people are talking to me…,” Engel said. 

Social Media is definitely a newer addiction that is still being researched thoroughly. It definitely raises many red flags that they are finding so many negatives so early on. Social media can definitely have many positives when using but it’s significant to know what you may be using. 

Finding balance is something many students say they are still learning, “I guess kind of but whenever I’m on it, I’m just not doing anything else and I get all of my stuff done,” Engel said. 

If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out to a trusted adult for help.