Social media addiction a risk to life and limb

Lucknow: Are you unable to stay away from your phone for long? Do you keep checking it again and again for reactions to your posts, or take risks to shoot reels? If yes, experts say you may be developing a social media addiction as these are the early signs of a behavioural problem. It can disrupt daily life and, in some cases, turn dangerous if not controlled timely. Over time, the habit may begin to control a person, affecting studies or work, relationships and real-life interactions.

Adolescents and young adults are most at risk, as many tend to compare themselves with others and seek validation online. Doctors say around 15–20 people seek counselling for such issues daily. The actual number could be much higher, as many do not recognise this as a problem. Families, experts add, can play a key role by spotting early signs and seeking help.

The issue has more than just a mental/psychological aspect. In Aziz Nagar on Sitapur Road, 18-year-old Mohammad Zakir died while filming a staged hanging scene as the noose tightened by mistake.

In Ghaziabad, a 19-year-old woman died after her speeding motorcycle crashed into a divider while a video was being recorded by the pillion rider. Neither rider was wearing a helmet.

Experts say the problem builds slowly. Prof Pawan Kumar Gupta, psychiatrist at King George’s Medical University, said the first sign is constant thinking about content. “Even when not filming, the mind stays on content. People then start losing touch with real life,” he said.

As the issue progresses, people lose control over themselves. “They want to cut down on the practice, but cannot. If unable to post, they feel restless,” he said. Gradually, over time, their mood is regulated by on likes and views and fewer reactions can make them anxious, he explained.

Doctors say such behaviour is linked to how the brain reacts to rewards. Psychiatrist Dr Adarsh Tripathi said social media gives rewards in the form of likes, views and shares. “Every positive reaction makes a person feel happy. When views and likes are low, this feeling reduces. This makes people want more and can also lower their sense of risk,” he said.

“As need for likes grows, people take more risks to get attention. The priority shifts from safety to attention,” he added.

This becomes visible in daily life. Outings turn into content-making sessions, family time gets interrupted by repeated retakes and free time is spent checking likes and comments.

Psychologist Pragya Verma said this may look like engagement but is often mental exhaustion, resulting in poor performance in studies or work, strained relationships and many feel lonely despite being active online.

Physical health can also suffer. Some people have poor sleep, low appetite and constant tiredness. “If it causes distress, it is not healthy,” said Prof Gupta.

STAGES OF ADDICTION

Preoccupation: Constant thoughts about content/reels

Disconnection: Present physically, absent mentally

Loss of control: Cannot cut down use

Validation need: Mood depends on likes/views

Addictive cycle: Keeps posting for satisfaction

Poor judgement: Ignores risks

Risky behaviour: Dangerous locations for content

Life impact: Affects studies, health, relationships

HOW TO STOP

Pause before posting

Set time limits

Avoid risky places

Delay uploads

Stay present offline

Ignore pressure of ‘likes’

Follow routine (sleep/food)

Talk to someone

Seek help if needed

Identify real cause