

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.
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Problematic Social Media Use
- Problematic social media use is defined by its negative impact on life.
- This includes conflicts with family, neglect of responsibilities, and loss of control.
Social Media Addiction
- The term "addiction" should be used cautiously when discussing social media.
- It implies brain changes and severe functional impairment, not always present in social media use.
Specificity in Social Media Use
- Social media use varies greatly by platform and motivation.
- Generalizing "social media addiction" can be misleading without specific details.