UAE: Fatigue, mood changes could be subtle signs of social media addiction

UAE: Fatigue, mood changes could be subtle signs of social media addiction

Researchers find Instagram to be the most damaging app to youngsters' mental health

Published: Sat 20 Aug 2022, 6:56 PM

Do you find yourself unconsciously opening up Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn and mindlessly scrolling? Experts have long maintained that like nicotine, alcohol, and narcotics, social media too can be highly addictive.

Like many users worldwide, several studies have shown UAE residents are also victims of mild to severe social media addiction.

A study conducted by a team of students from the Canadian University Dubai showed that around 69.7 per cent of UAE students use social media for five hours or more daily. Anything above two hours is considered addictive, experts have said.

However, the subtle signs provide evidence of the early stages of addiction over the more obvious ones. David Golding, the Dubai-based founder of Sober Lifestyle Coaching LLC, listed out the many subtle signs residents need to watch out for.

How would you define social media addiction?

Social media addiction is a behavioural addiction characterised by being excessively concerned about social media, devoting too much time to its use, and having uncontrollable urges to log into social media. The impact on physical and personal wellbeing or its use significantly impacting other vital areas of life