Can social media be an addiction?
The simple answer is: Yes, it can. To the extent where it might even require professional intervention.
True, in a world where online communication has reached an all-time high, it is, in many ways, impossible to keep away completely from social media. But if our obsession with going online is taking a toll on our lives, then it is an addiction.
An addiction is “Any activity, substance, object, or behaviour that has become the major focus of a person’s life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally or socially is considered an addictive behaviour”
(http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/addictiveb.html)
According to Dr Kirin Fiona Hilliar of LifeWorks, addictions are often maladaptive strategies for coping with deeper issues such as anxiety, depression or trauma. Addictive behaviours, therefore, are not restricted to excessive indulgence in drugs and alcohol. Bingeing on food, pornography, gambling, sex, online gaming or social media over a period of time are also forms of addiction. Though the object of addiction may vary from individual to individual based primarily on availability and personal inclinations, the principles of addictive behaviours are the same. This means that if online gaming or social media is occupying too much of your thoughts and time, then it is time for conscious action.
It is good to understand at this point that online gaming and social media apps have addiction designed into them. From the ‘likes’ and ‘shares’, to the sound of a notification received in Messenger, to the dots that tell you that someone at the other end is typing, each aspect is meant to keep you ‘hooked’. According to recent research by Sang Pil Han at Arizona State University, mobile social apps can foster more dependency than cocaine or alcohol!
Now, ask yourself:
- Am I unable to focus on my studies/work because I keep thinking about gaming or social media?
- Is it keeping me from going out with family or friends?
- Do I lose sleep and appetite over it?
If your answer to any of these is “yes”, maybe it’s time you acted on the information. Here are some tips:
- Make conscious lifestyle changes that include activities that keep you away from your addiction.
- Exercise, develop hobbies that keep you motivated.
- Rope in your family and friends. A good support system is vital to adopting a healthy lifestyle.
- In case you are unable to do it on your own, seek professional support from a counsellor or psychologist.
According to Dr Hilliar, identifying the root cause and addressing it is vital to achieving lasting results. A therapist can help you understand the root cause, and work with you towards resolving it.
We shall discuss more about addictions, their causes and interventions soon. In the meantime, if you have any queries regarding addictions, reach out to LifeWorks at info@lifeworks.ae or +971 4 224 5736. Our expert team of counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists is always ready to help you help yourself.
By Dr Kirin Fiona Hilliar
Psychologist
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
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Psycho-oncology
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CBT
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Psychometric Assessments
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Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
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Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
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Licensed by Community Development Authority
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
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Mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
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MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
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ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
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ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
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BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
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BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
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CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
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At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
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Anxiety disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
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Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Cognitive disorders including Dementia
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Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
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Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
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disorders and ADHD