Obsession with smartphones and the social media can greatly affect stress levels and one’s relationships. Roberts (2016) argues that behavioral and substance addictions to social media can be categorized into six groups namely; tolerance, salience, conflict, euphoria, relapse and withdrawal symptoms.

According to Dallas (2016), internet addiction is linked to mental health issues such as depression, stress, anxiety and impulsiveness in young adults. Research conducted on 254 first year students at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada revealed that 33 were addicted to the internet while 107 displayed problematic internet use.

Wallace (2016) states that according to Common Sense Media, 66% of teenage parents feel their teenagers overspend their time on the internet while 52% of adolescents agree they spend too much time on their smartphones. A digital detox expert advises that to overcome digital addiction, one needs to cut down on the hours spent online and spend more time engaging in physical activities and exercises such as long distance walks. Exercises serve to reduce dopamine levels thus decreasing anxiety.

In accordance with Mozes (2015), teenagers who spend more than two hours on social media report signs of poor mental health and are less likely to receive help for their condition. Additionally, youth with mental health conditions seek interactions on social media because they feel neglected and lonely.

Vitelli (2016) argues that Facebook has exposed many youths to cyber bullying, cyber stalking and social misunderstandings, all which contribute to social anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. All internet users, particularly young adults and teenagers need to be enlightened on the emotional risks that lay in social media platforms such as Facebook.

References

Dallas, M.E. (2016). Internet Addiction May Be Red Flag for Ot Issues: Study. Retrieved on

March 14, 2018 from http://health.usnews.com/health-care/articles/2016-09-18/internet-addiction-may-be-red-flag-for-other-mental-health-issues-study