The Social Media Trap: Unmasking Addiction and Its Hidden Dangers
Addiction is defined as a treatable chronic medical disease. It involves the brain, genetics, environment & life experience. Just like any other addiction, social media addiction can involve compulsive behavior that can negatively impact our lives.
Ever caught yourself endlessly scrolling through social media, only to feel worse about your own life? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of the Recovery Rebirth Podcast, hosts Dominick Gladstone and Jillian Green tackle the pressing issue of social media addiction. With 75% of Americans estimated to be glued to their phones, this modern-day compulsion is more widespread than you might think.
The episode dives into how social media addiction mirrors other forms of addiction, driven by brain chemistry, genetics, and life experiences. Dominick and Jillian break down the 'compare and despair' phenomenon, where we measure our everyday lives against others' highlight reels, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness. They also shed light on the role of artificial intelligence in keeping us hooked, using intermittent reinforcement to give us just enough dopamine boosts to keep us coming back for more.
The hosts discuss alarming documentaries like 'The Social Dilemma' and 'The Great Hack', which reveal the dark side of AI in social media. But it's not all doom and gloom. Dominick and Jillian also explore healthier ways to use technology for genuine connection and support, such as online recovery meetings. If you're curious about the hidden pitfalls of your social media habits or looking for practical advice to break free from the cycle, this episode offers a wealth of insights.
And stay tuned—this is just part one of a two-part series that promises to delve even deeper into the topic.