Instant Genius
Healthy Start: How to cut down your social media use
Jan 13, 2025
Niklas Ihssen, an associate professor at Durham University specializing in human behavior and social media, discusses the fine line between regular and problematic social media use. He highlights the emotional impacts and societal dynamics influenced by social media, drawing parallels with older media forms. The conversation emphasizes recognizing signs of unhealthy engagement and promotes responsible usage over complete abstinence. Ihssen advocates for understanding motives behind social media habits to foster healthier connections and improve mental well-being.
30:44
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Quick takeaways
- Problematic social media use is more about its negative impact on life than labeling it as an outright addiction.
- Understanding the motivations and types of social media engagement is crucial for distinguishing healthy usage from problematic patterns.
Deep dives
Redefining Social Media Addiction
Social media addiction is more accurately characterized as problematic social media use, where the emphasis lies on the negative effects the behavior has on personal life instead of labeling it as an addiction outright. Signs of problematic use include loss of control over social media consumption, strong cravings to engage with the platforms, and negative impacts on life such as conflicts with family or neglecting obligations. It is crucial to assess whether social media usage truly interferes with other important life areas before categorizing it as a pathological behavior. This nuanced approach allows for a clearer understanding of the issue beyond the simplistic addiction label, helping to avoid stigmatization and overgeneralization.
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