It’s not always easy to control your internet and social media use. Some people’s overuse even crosses into addiction territory with adverse consequences such as worsening depression, lost jobs, and neglected relationships.
We’ve gathered stats on internet and social media addiction to illustrate the big picture. The information touches on areas such as self-reported addiction figures, assessment, detoxing, comorbidities, the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of addiction, and teen addiction. For more background on children’s and teens’ digital lives, check out a study we conducted that was updated in 2020.
Table of Contents
- Context for Numbers, Figures, and Percentages
- Statistical Overview of Internet and Social Media Addiction
- Stats on Child and Teen Addiction
- Internet Gaming Disorder Stats
- Stats on Assessing Addiction
- Stats on the Mental and Emotional Aspects
- Stats on the Physical Aspects
- Stats on Detoxing or Reducing Internet/Social Media Use
- Smartphone Addiction Stats
Context for Numbers, Figures, and Percentages
Before we jump into stats, a word of caution. Numbers don’t always paint the most accurate picture, and that holds true with addiction. For instance, Pew Research shows that 70% of Facebook’s users check in daily. It’s a high percentage but not necessarily indicative of addiction. A major reason relates to the differences between habit and addiction.
Habit vs. Addiction
Often, daily check-ins (or multiple check-ins a day) are not problematic. If you like to catch up on Facebook for 15 minutes while you eat breakfast, that’s probably OK. Now, if you cannot stop scrolling through Facebook even when you’re at work, that could be a problem. Ditto if being on Facebook makes you late to work. Addictions tend to interfere with daily functioning, while habits don’t.
Is True Internet or Social Media “Addiction” Possible?
We say yes but acknowledge the debate over using the term “addiction” to describe problematic internet or social media use. The line between true disordered use and highly active but non-disordered use (sometimes called passionate engagement) is not always clear.
As Psychology Today points out, “internet addiction” and “social media addiction” are terms used colloquially. Some professionals say there’s little difference between “internet addiction” and an activity such as intense piano study, high-level gymnastics, or even constant reading. That can be true. However, genuine addiction exists to the point that rehab centers and treatment programs have been developed to address the problem, especially in countries such as South Korea.
The reality is that internet/social media overuse is common. It disrupts numerous lives. For example, many spouses constantly focus on social media (being on their smartphones) and alienate their partners. The smartphone notifications we get activate our brains’ reward circuitry, just as gambling does. We grab our phones to check messages even while driving. Even if we’re not technically addicted, social media or the internet has us hooked. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce your consumption of the internet and social media. We cover stats on that, too.
Statistical Overview of Internet and Social Media Addiction
Our stats have a U.S.-centric focus, but we draw on research from all over the world. Also, note that kids and teens get their own section later on since they are at especially high risk.
100% of social media has addiction potential
ALL social media platforms can hook someone to the point of addiction. That’s because social media makes money by ramping up user engagement. Platforms want all the scrolls, clicks, and data they can get. The more, the merrier. Social media networks thoroughly research brain circuitry, fear of missing out (FOMO), the all-too-human desire for validation, and much more.
(Source: Forbes)
39% in U.S. survey report feeling somewhat or completely addicted to social media
Meanwhile, 15 percent of respondents 23 to 38 years old told researchers that being addicted to social media described them completely. Another 37 percent reported feelings of addiction.
Across all age ranges surveyed (only adults were surveyed), 9 percent said that being addicted described them completely. Just 1 percent of people 55 to 64 years old said that addiction described them completely, while 21 percent said it did somewhat or completely.
Age range surveyed | Addiction describes me completely | Addiction describes me somewhat or completely |
|---|---|---|
Total: 18-22 23-38 39-54 55-64 | 9% 5% 15% 9% 1% | 30% 40% 37% 26% 21% |
(Source: ThinkNow)
Females more likely to report social media addiction
Here’s a look at the same study from above, only from the perspective of gender.
- 34% of female participants reported feeling addicted to social media. An additional 11% agreed that, “I am addicted to social media,” described them completely. Overall, the percentages add up to 45%.
- 26% of males reported feelings of addiction, while 7% acknowledged that addiction described them completely. The numbers add up to 33%.
(Source: ThinkNow)
Addiction percentages higher among whites, Hispanics
We’re not quite done with the study referenced above. Breaking it down by ethnicity, we see these numbers:
- 11% of Hispanics said that, “I am addicted to social media,” described them completely. Another 29% identified feelings of addiction. (40% in total)
- 9% of whites said, “I am addicted to social media.” Another 32% identified feelings of addiction. (41% in total, edging out Hispanics)
- 8% of blacks said, “I am addicted to social media.” Another 25% identified feelings of addiction. (33% in total)
- 7% of Asians said that, “I am addicted to social media,” described them completely. Another 27% identified feelings of addiction. (34% in total)
(Source: ThinkNow)
31% of U.S. adults online almost constantly (was 21% in 2015)
In a Pew Research study, 32 percent of men said they’re online almost constantly compared with 31 percent of women. By ethnicity, 37 percent of blacks, 36 percent of Hispanics, and 28 percent of whites said they’re online nearly constantly. In 2015, 21 percent of adults reported almost constant online use, so it’s grown by 10 pecent. Other study findings:
- 48% of respondents 18 to 29 years old are online almost constantly; 42% for the 30 to 49 age group; 22% for the 50 to 64 age group; 8% for the 65+ group
- 42% of college graduates report being online almost constantly; 29% for participants with some college; 23% for high school graduates or less
- 37% of urban dwellers report constant online use versus 30% for suburban and 23% for rural
- 40% of respondents earning $75k or more were online almost constantly; 29% for $50k-$74,999; 30% for $30k-$49,999; 27% for less than $30k
- In general, 31% of respondents said they’re online almost constantly. Another 48% say they’re online several times a day. 6% go online once a day.
(Source: Pew Research)
5 types of internet addiction are common
Frequent internet addiction manifestations include these:
- Compulsions such as shopping, gambling, stock trading, and auction bidding. They can cause financial harm, fracture relationships, and lead to job loss.
- Relationship addiction where people focus on online friends and relationships to the detriment of in-person life. These online relationships can be on social media, forums, or other spaces.
- Gaming addiction, with internet gaming disorder (IGD) the only type of internet or social media addiction mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. It is not officially recognized but got calls for further review.
- Cybersex addiction, which can include porn, fantasy chat rooms, webcam services, and X-rated websites.
- Information-seeking compulsions, which may be an extension of pre-existing traits.
More than 100 brain study projects (and counting!) show evidence of internet or social media addiction
Before 2009, only six brain anatomy studies on internet addiction or internet gaming disorder (IGD) had been performed. Since then, a lot more have been done. Researchers studying online pornography found a total of 95 studies from pre-2009 to mid-2015, and we found a lot more (too many to count). One, a 2017 brain anatomy study, indicated that people with Facebook addiction seem to have pruned amygdalas that lead to more impulsive behavior. These studies offer a great way to actually see the evidence of addiction.
5 risk factors are linked to internet addiction
- Male
- Adolescent
- Social difficulties
- Anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other conditions
- Drug addiction issues
(Source: Clinic Barcelona)
More than 12% of Koreans could be addicted to the internet
Researchers theorize that among Korean citizens aged 9 to 39, more than 12% show at least some signs of internet addiction. Centers to transform their lives for the better have been ongoing since 2007. (Source: Urban Sustainability Exchange)
Stats on Child and Teen Addiction
Let’s jump into this section on child and teen addiction stats. They’re extra important because internet and social media addictions often manifest at younger ages. They can set in when you’re older, but teenagers are particularly vulnerable.
Most teens acknowledge too much smartphone use
More than half of teens admit spending too much time on their smartphone despite attempts to cut back.
- 54% spend too much time on the phone; 52% have tried to cut back
- 41% spend too much time on social media; 57% have tried cutting back
- 26% spend excessive time playing video games; 58% have tried decreasing the time spent
Note that many video games are online. So, you can be on your Switch or Xbox for online play.
(Source: Pew Research)
Anxiety and FOMO signs of teen smartphone addiction
About 45 percent of Polish schoolchildren experienced at least one symptom of excessive smartphone use in 2018.
- Anxiety if they don’t have their phone or the battery is dead, 45.2%
- Do everything they can to get their phone if they forget it, 42.4%
- Fear of missing out (FOMO) when they cannot be in contact with friends via the phone, 39.5%
- Unhappy when length of phone use is restricted, 38.6 %
- Irritation when they cannot use the phone, 37.6%
(Sources: Fundacja Dbam o Mój Zasięg; Uniwersytet Gdański)
6% of adolescents in a South Korean study were severely addicted, likelier to have depression and earlier internet exposure
The study considered 1,628 junior high students and examined a multitude of risk factors. It found that 6% of participants were severely addicted. Moreover, they were noticeably more likely than other groups to:
- Have earlier exposure to the internet
- Have more access to the internet
- Experience depression, aggression, or compulsivity
- Have lower family cohesion
Environmental factors such as access had more of an impact on addiction than family or school-related factors. Internet access is cheap and easy nearly everywhere in South Korea.
(Source: NCBI)
9 factors contributing to an adolescent’s addiction risk
This list isn’t all-inclusive but hits on common risk points. Items are not listed in order of importance (that really varies based on the person).
- Gender: Males are more at risk for gaming and internet addiction, but social media addictions may affect females more.
- Country or region of residence: For example, in South Korea, the availability of internet cafes and the barrage of video game advertising contribute to rates of internet addiction. Moreover, teachers and parents often place enormous pressure on adolescents to do well in school. That can lead them to seek refuge in games or on the internet.
- Conditions such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, social anxiety, etc.: Some people become addicted because the internet is their main/only way of developing relationships, speaking freely, and being themselves
- Quality of real-life relationships and real-life support system
- Strength of in-person jobs, hobbies, expectations, etc.
- Relationship with parents/parental expectations/parental modeling
- Age of first exposure to the internet: Generally, being exposed later means a lower risk of addiction
- Genetics
- Drug or other substance addictions
(Source: NCBI)
16-year-old boys especially vulnerable to internet addiction, more so if their parents are distant
Boys age 16 seem to be at higher risk of internet, gaming, and social media addiction compared with boys age 17 or 18. A Finnish study looked at 1,750 individuals at these three points in time and identified age 16 as the most vulnerable point. The good news is that some boys’ addictive-type internet use adapted into something healthier as they grew older. Of course, it persisted for others.
The study found that parenting styles can play a major role in children’s internet use. Distant parenting, where the parents aren’t much interested in their children’s lives, is more likely to lead to problematic internet use among kids.
Also noteworthy but not exactly surprising: The research found links between COVID-19 and loneliness; problematic internet use and depression; and problematic internet use and poorer academic performance. To the latter point, researchers theorize that more time on the internet disrupts sleep and leaves less time for other activities. As for the depression link, depression might predict unhealthy internet use. In turn, that unhealthy use could exacerbate the symptoms of depression.
(Source: ScienceDaily)
Girls more likely than boys to think about when they can use social media again
In Denmark, 29% of girls aged 13 and 15 often thought about when they could use social media again. In contrast, 25% of boys 13 and 15 did. Among 11-year-olds, boys edged out girls with thoughts about using social media again (21% girls, 22% boys).
(Source: Statens Institut for Folkesundhed)
Internet addiction is often comorbid with depression and harm avoidance; may have genetic roots in some cases
People addicted to the internet may be more likely to have higher SS-5HTTLPR frequencies (homozygous short allelic variant of the serotonin transporter gene). In research published in 2008, 91 male adolescents who excessively used the internet were studied along with 75 healthy males.
The study found comorbidity between depression and high internet use. It also found links between excessive internet use and harm avoidance. Someone with harm avoidance tends to worry excessively, may be overly shy and pessimistic, and easily fatigued.
(Source: PubMed.gov)
Since 2007, Seoul has had “I will” centers to address internet addiction
South Korea is far ahead of the United States in recognizing the potential of internet, social media, and gaming addictions (admittedly, the internet is a lot more accessible in Korea). The Seoul city government set up the first “I will” center in 2007, with five more following in the next few years.
Other countries look to these centers to learn what to do for their own programs. “I will” specializes in helping children and youths change their lives through preventive work, counseling, and therapy.
(Source: Urban Sustainability Exchange)
You’re less likely to be addicted to social media if you’re empathetic and can see other perspectives
Researchers collected data from 592 high school students. More than half were female. The findings: Empathic concern and perspective taking negatively predict social media addiction.
The study also found that participants at higher-income schools were more likely to be addicted to social media versus their counterparts at lower-income schools.
(Source: ScienceDirect)
10% of kids 9 and older may get more than nine hours of screen time daily
InMyArea research on 1,005 children indicates that 10 percent of kids age 9 or older get more than nine hours of screen time a day. Meanwhile, 7 percent of kids 0-8 years old also get that much screen time. (Source: InMyArea.com)
Internet Gaming Disorder Stats
The DSM-5 says that internet gaming disorder might be a behavioral addiction causing “significant impairment or distress” in multiple areas of a person’s life. The manual doesn’t address internet or social media addiction, but IGD is a subset of internet addiction. Since it’s the only such type mentioned in the DSM-5, we made a short section for it.
That said, the DSM-5 does not officially recognize IGD as an addiction, rather saying it could be and calling for further review. The manual was last updated in 2013.
Many assessment and diagnostic tools for internet and social media addictions draw from IGD, so we figured it would be helpful to place this section near the top.
You’d need to meet at least 5 criteria over a year to be diagnosed with addiction
In the list below, you could mentally substitute “game” or “gaming” for something like, “use the internet” or “be on Facebook” (social media platform of your choice).
The criteria for possible diagnosis include:
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or anxiety when it’s not possible to game
- Depending on gaming to escape from negative moods such as sadness or guilt
- Higher tolerance, more time gaming needed to meet the same urges
- Failed attempts quitting or eliminating gaming
- Continuing to game even with obstacles or problems
- Absorption in gaming
- Lack of interest in other activities previously enjoyed or performed (hobbies, work, family, etc.)
- Lost or risked work or relationships due to gaming
- Misleading loved ones and family members about the amount of time spent gaming
The gaming doesn’t have to be online, but it is for the huge majority of people.
(Source: American Psychiatric Association)
Up to 1% of U.S. adults might meet criteria for IGD
About 0.3% to 1% of adults in the United States could potentially be diagnosed with IGD. However, researchers emphasize the differences between passionate engagement and pathology (disorder, addiction, illness). In the end, it seems to come down to whether gaming causes distress in the person. There’s also the possibility that the gaming is (at least sometimes) a symptom of something such as depression and not a self-contained addiction.
(Source: American Psychiatric Association)
Two days straight: Some customers stay at internet/internet gaming cafes that long
Both internet addiction and IGD have prompted public health crises in South Korea. Internet cafes, called PC bangs, are hugely popular. They’re clean, comfortable, cheap ($1 an hour!), shiny, and open all hours of the day.
Many customers stay for a day-plus or even for two days. “Some customers who play for too long, I’m sorry to say, they get smelly,” said Lee Kae Seong, the owner of one such cafe, to NPR. “And other customers start to complain. So we have to ask them to leave.” (Source: NPR)
Stats on Assessing Addiction
423 students helped develop the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale
The results of 227 women and 196 men, 423 students in total, went into developing the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale in 2011. Professionals worldwide used (and still use) the scale or its generalized counterpart, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, for clinical assessment and treatment. They also use it to get an idea of social media addiction prevalence in a group or society. Psychology faculty at the University of Bergen in Norway in collaboration with the Bergen Clinics Foundation created the original scale.
(Source: University of Bergen)
The scale uses five possible answers for six criteria
In a Bergen assessment, you answer six statements based on this scale: (1) Very rarely, (2) Rarely, (3) Sometimes, (4) Often, and (5) Very often. The statements go like this:
- You spend a lot of time thinking about social media or plan use of social media.
- You feel an urge to use social media more and more.
- You use social media in order to forget about personal problems.
- You have tried to cut down on the use of social media without success.
- You become restless or troubled if you are prohibited from using social media.
- You use social media so much that it has had a negative impact on your job/studies.
People who answer “often” or “very often” to at least four statements could be addicted to social media.
(Sources: University of Bergen; Psychology Today)
9 yes/no questions populate the Social Media Disorder scale
People who answer “yes” to at least five of these nine questions may be disordered social media users.
During the past year, have you ...
- ... regularly found that you can't think of anything else but the moment that you will be able to use social media again?
- ... regularly felt dissatisfied because you wanted to spend more time on social media?
- ... often felt bad when you could not use social media?
- ... tried to spend less time on social media, but failed?
- ... regularly neglected other activities (e.g. hobbies, sport) because you wanted to use social media?
- ... regularly had arguments with others because of your social media use?
- ... regularly lied to your parents or friends about the amount of time you spend on social media?
- ... often used social media to escape from negative feelings?
- ... had serious conflict with your parents, brother(s) or sister(s) because of your social media use?
The questions are similar to those used to diagnose IGD, but researchers note potential problems. For example, social media use is a lot easier to combine with other tasks whereas gaming is not. Thus, there is likely less validity with questions centering on arguments or conflicts about social media use.
Deception questions also have limits. Whether someone hides their social media use might not always relate to addiction but rather to the closeness (or lack thereof) of their relationship with the people around them.
In several trials, the nine-question scale was found to be just as valid as more lengthy and complex scales developed by the same researchers. “Yes” answers on the disorder scale are also linked to attention deficits and increased levels of depression.
(Source: ScienceDirect)
7% to 12% of teens may meet disorder criteria
The folks (van der Eijnden and colleagues) who developed the Social Media Disorder scale conducted assessments on teens in the Netherlands using the scale and its longer, 27-question counterpart. They found that 7% to 12% of participants satisfied the criteria for social media disorder.
One goal of the researchers was to distinguish between true disorder (addiction) and highly engaged, non-disordered social media use. The researchers came away confident that their tools could effectively distinguish between the two areas.
(Source: ScienceDirect)
The 6 criteria of behavioral addiction can be used to diagnose social media addiction
Many methods to diagnose or measure social media addiction exist, although there is no “official” way. We already touched on the Bergen and Social Media Disorder scales. In addition, experts say that the six criteria of behavioral addiction can be used for social media addiction, too.
- Salience: When social media dominates a person’s life, behaviors, and thoughts
- Mood modification: When social media use can change a person’s mood
- Tolerance: When increased use is necessary to achieve the same results
- Withdrawal symptoms: Negative feelings when a person is unable to use social media
- Conflict: When social media use disrupts other life activities such as work or family relationships
- Relapse: When attempts to control social media use fail
(Source: Taylor & Francis Online)
The Korean Internet Addiction Scale (K Scale) has 20 statements, down from its original 40
The scale was developed for middle and high school students. It’s a checklist/self-questionnaire used to see if kids are addicted and need a digital detox boot camp or other internet withdrawal approaches. South Korean intervention efforts focus on youth.
9 common signs of addiction
- Prefer being with device or online than with people in person
- Live a second life online with online friends
- Talk regularly about your online life and draw meaning from it
- Let other interests such as hobbies, friends, work, etc. fall by the wayside
- Experience legal problems such as divorce or loss of child custody stemming from internet or social media use
- Experience more social isolation
- Defend your internet/social media behavior, are unaware of it, or are in denial about it
- Isolate yourself with computer or smartphone
- Try to hide screen or messages when someone enters the room
(Source: The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction)
3 particular areas to watch out for
Compulsion, tolerance, and withdrawal are the three main areas to be aware of with internet and social media addiction.
- Compulsion relates to loss of control. Do you compulsively do something online or on social media? What happens/how do you feel when you don’t have that access?
- Tolerance is linked to needing more to reach the same effect.
- Withdrawal relates to negative side effects when you stop use. They can be physical, mental, or emotional.
Many people think they’re addicted to the internet or social media but don’t experience withdrawal symptoms like they would with drugs. The same goes for the levels of compulsion and tolerance. Rather, what these folks are dealing with may be chronic overuse of the internet and social media (chronic overuse doesn’t necessarily mean true addiction).. (Source: The Conversation)
Stats on the Mental and Emotional Aspects of Addiction
Excessive use of the internet or social media can fracture relationships, worsen depression, and result in lower self-esteem, among other effects. Let’s start this section with a look at how too much time on social media can cause you to make worse decisions.
Excessive time on social media led to riskier decisions (a loss of executive function) in a study of 71 people
Researchers used the Iowa Gambling Task to test for correlation between 71 participants’ involvement in social media and their decision-making. The participants took the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale to measure their reliance on Facebook.
For the gambling tasks, participants chose cards from four decks. Two decks offered more money in the long term. The wins were smaller but so were the losses. During the games, participants had information on how much they were winning and losing.
Average “healthy” people figure out fairly quickly which decks net them the most money and stick with them. In the Facebook study, the participants who performed better had less reliance on social media. More Facebook reliance meant riskier/impaired decision-making. These results line up with findings among substance abusers.
Do note that researchers didn’t test for the cause of the bad decision-making. Rather, they tested for correlation. For example, being more dependent on social media using the Bergen scale also correlates to later bedtimes and wake-up times.
(Sources: Journal of Behavioral Addictions; Science Daily; Psychology Today)
People addicted to social media are lonelier and less satisfied with their lives
In a study of 334 participants 17 to 25 years old in India, a significant positive relationship (r=0.23) was found between social media networking addiction and loneliness. Meanwhile, a significant negative relationship existed between addiction and life satisfaction (r= -0.15)
(Source: Taylor & Francis Online)
Co-existing shopping and social media addictions seem more likely than co-existing food and social media addictions, according to a study of 1,100
In a Singapore study of 1,100 college students, the prevalence rate of social networking addiction was 29.5%. For food, it was 4.7% and 9.3% for shopping.
- 3% of participants had both social media and food addictions
- 5% had social media and shopping addictions
- 1% had all three addictions
Co-morbidity rates with affective disorders were also eye-opening.
- 27.7% for social media and anxiety
- 26.1% for social media and mania
- 21% for social media and depression
Females were more likely than males to experience comorbidity.
(Source: ScienceDirect)
Doomscrolling: Two stats about a modern term signaling bad news for our mental health
1) In 2021, Dictionary.com added the term, “doomscrolling,” to its lexicon. Here’s how the website defines it:
the practice of obsessively checking online news for updates, especially on social media feeds, with the expectation that the news will be bad, such that the feeling of dread from this negative expectation fuels a compulsion to continue looking for updates in a self-perpetuating cycle.
As UVA Today points out, doomscrolling isn’t amazing for people’s mental health. It’s likely fueled by issues such as COVID-19, racial injustices, politics, the wellbeing of loved ones, and many other concerns. People prone to anxiety seem especially likely to doomscroll.
2) Anxiety management expert Bethany Teachman recommends 20 to 30 minutes twice a day on the internet and social media to cut down on doomscrolling. The rest of the time, stay away.
(Source: UVA Today)
P.S. Doomscrolling was first recorded in 2010. Phubbing is another term arising about that same time. It means busying yourself with a smartphone and ignoring your surroundings, including friends and loved ones you’re with in person.
Stats on the Physical Aspects
The effects of addiction aren’t just mental or emotional. They can be physical, too, with plenty of interplay between the two areas. For instance, internet addiction can cause a lack of sleep (physical) which, in turn, results in increased irritability and distancing from loved ones (mental and emotional).
Internet addiction might keep more than 40% of college students tossing and turning
More than 40 percent of college students in Taiwan experience serious sleep problems, and internet surfing is a major cause. In a study of 503 female students, researchers controlled for factors such as body mass index, age, drinking, and religious habits. The researchers found significant negative associations between lack of sleep and internet addiction.
(Source: National Library of Medicine)
Researchers studying medical students in Delhi, India, reached similar conclusions. Students who were addicted were noticeably more likely to be depressed and/or suffering from a lack of quality sleep. There was a higher prevalence of internet addiction among males (20.4%) than females (12.9%).
(Source: National Library of Medicine)
7% to 9% of smartphone users could experience physical effects such as sore eyes, headaches, and aching thumbs
Nine percent of respondents in a Norwegian survey cited physical effects such as headaches and sore thumbs from smartphone overuse. Seven percent cited eyesight issues.
(Source: Deloitte, page 38)
Stats on Detoxing or Reducing Internet/Social Media Use
Giving up social media for Lent is more common than taking a break from alcohol or sweets
OpenBible.info tracks Twitter mentions of what folks give up for Lent. In both 2016 and 2020, relinquishing social media garnered more mentions than any other item. The project tallies terms such as “social networking,” “Twitter,” “Facebook,” and “Instagram,” under the social media umbrella.
2016 | 2020 |
|---|---|
Social media, 8.5% Alcohol, 4.5% Fast food, 4.2% Chocolate, 3.7% | Social media, 8% Alcohol, 5.7% Fast food, 2.1% Chocolate, 1.5% |
(Source: Twitter Lent Tracker by OpenBible.info)
Most people support internet breaks but the percentage is decreasing
Most Russians in a survey agree that it’s necessary to take breaks from the internet. However, the percentage in support of breaks dwindled from 77% in 2018 to 70% in December 2020. Seen through another lens, 19% in 2018 said it’s necessary to always be online. In December 2020, the necessity had grown to 27%.
| 2018 | Feb. 2020 | Dec. 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Necessary to take a break from the internet sometimes, limit or completely block internet access for oneself | 77% | 73% | 70% |
| Necessary to always stay online | 19% | 24% | 27% |
| Difficult to answer | 4% | 3% | 3% |
(Source: VCIOM)
Consumers responsible for fixing their own addiction issues
OK, so you feel addicted to your smartphone (or the internet/social media). Who’s responsible for fixing that? You or someone else? Most Americans say it’s your problem to solve, but a few point the finger at tech companies or government regulators.
- 74% of adults say the responsibility falls on consumers to resolve their smartphone addiction issues
- 9% say tech companies should be the ones tackling the issue
- 3% say the task should lie with government regulators
- 14% don’t know or have no opinion
(Source: Morning Consult)
Internet withdrawal symptoms likely to last less than two weeks
Anxiety, moodiness, depression, and internet cravings are common effects of withdrawal. Psychosis is one possible symptom, although more likely with internet gaming disorder and a comorbid mood disorder. If you seek out a treatment center or program, look for those that take a whole-person approach and are capable of addressing a wide variety of conditions.
(Source: The Recovery Village)
Four psychological approaches to internet withdrawal are common
1. A top approach is cognitive behavioral therapy or another psychotherapy method. Patients learn to reduce the chances of relapse and work on impulse control. They identify and address symptoms of depression and negative self-defeating thought patterns.
2. Lifestyle changes are important, too. Exercise, volunteering, and other activities can reduce internet use/cravings.
3. Motivational interviewing is a style of counseling that uncovers clients’ motivations and ambivalence for change. It tunnels into a person’s psyche to root out the causes of addiction.
4. Medications, especially antidepressants and mood stabilizers, may be used in some cases.
(Source: The Recovery Village)
6 tips to cut back on social media
If you use social media too much and want to cut down, Healthline offers six tips:
- Start a new hobby that isn’t related to social media or technology. Examples include karate, cooking, painting, and hiking.
- Allot only a certain amount of time to social media per day. Stay accountable with timers.
- Delete social media apps off your smartphone. It’s probably OK to retain access on your computer; the lack of smartphone apps means less time on social media overall.
- Stow computers, tablets, and phones out of your bedroom.
- Turn off your smartphone (or keep it inaccessible) during work, school, activities, and meals.
- Get together more with friends and family members. Seek out in-person activities you enjoy such as volunteering.
Don’t be afraid to find counseling and professional help if you struggle mightily (or even just a little bit!).
(Source: Healthline)
Treatment centers in South Korea see more boys for internet gaming addiction, girls for social media addiction
The treatment center programs, many of which last two to four weeks, help adolescents find new hobbies for their free time. After the teens finish, they receive counseling back home. However, several teens told NPR that more and more teenagers are becoming addicted and South Korea doesn’t have enough resources to handle them all. (Source: NPR)
Smartphone Addiction
Smartphone addiction stats offer insight into how hooked we are to the internet and social media. Of course, we do a few things on our phones that don’t require the internet. For instance, we can take all the pictures we want without being online (although many of these snaps end up on social media). Likewise, word processing apps, downloaded Kindle books, and some games may not require an internet connection. That said, we’re online much of the time we are on our smartphones. Even a quick check of stocks requires the internet.
Folks check their phones 47 times a day
Deloitte conducted a survey of U.S. smartphone owners in 2017 that strongly resonates today, four years later. For instance, users checked their phone 47 times a day.
- The huge majority, 80 percent, checked within an hour of waking up or going to bed.
- An even bigger majority, 85 percent, actively engaged with their phones while chatting with friends and family.
- Almost half of users, 47 percent, took steps to detox or cut their smartphone use.
- Thirty percent succeeded. They used tricks such as turning off audio notifications, stowing the phone in their handbag or pocket when interacting with people, switching the phone off at night, and deleting apps.
(Source: Deloitte)
What it feels like when you can’t access your smartphone or when you cannot stay away
Study respondents in Russia and Norway reported a gamut of negative feelings when they couldn’t be on their smartphone or when they were struggling to break free.
| Russia, 2020 survey on lack of access | Norway, 2019 survey on smartphone use |
|---|---|
| 46% felt uncomfortable without constant access to information
37% continually checked for missed calls or messages 34% felt like they lost something important when the battery reached 0% 24% feel out of place when they turn off the smartphone 17% panic or lose focus when the smartphone loses charge 14% may be rude to people who distract them from the phone (Source: Tekhkompaniya Honor) |
22% feel they constantly need to check the phone
21% say their phones distract them when they’re trying to finish a task 21% report their phones cause them to go to bed later 15% acknowledge decreased communications even when with family and friends in person (since they’re on their phones) 14% experience the fear of missing out when they’re not on their phones 11% are anxious or stressed when they’re unable to use their phones 9% get physical pain such as headaches or aching thumbs from phone use 7% say smartphone use has given them eyesight issues 48% report little or no negative side effects from smartphone use (or lack thereof) (Source: Deloitte, page 38) |
15% strongly agree they waste too much time on their smartphone
A survey released in March 2019 reported that 15 percent of respondents acknowledge wasting too much time on their smartphone.
- 15% strongly agree that they waste too much time
- 27% somewhat agree they waste too much time
- 21% neither agree nor disagree
- 16% somewhat disagree
- 20% strongly disagree
- 1% don’t know
(Source: YouGov)
In 2020, 57% of collisions involved phone use shortly before
Zendrive explored the relationships between driver behavior and collisions. The conclusions should cause drivers to think twice before reaching for that phone.
- In almost 16.8% of collisions, a phone was used in the five seconds before impact
- In total, 57% of crashes involve very recent phone use
- Phone-related collisions are underreported
- During COVID-19 lockdowns, the duration of phone use while driving decreased but the frequency of use increased.
- From January 2020 to November 2020, phone use frequency jumped 17%.
Ironic, though: Zendrive uses sensors on drivers’ smartphones to gather all this data.
(Source: Zendrive)
The 5 cities with the most/least smartphone use, 2020
- The five cities with drivers most likely to be on the phone were Jacksonville, Chicago, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.
- The lowest phone use was in Boston, San Jose, Detroit, El Paso, and Seattle.
(Source: Zendrive)
Drivers check their phones on 88 of every 100 trips
In 2016 and 2017, Zendrive analyzed three million drivers over three months and 570 million trips. The company found that Americans check their phone nearly every time they’re behind the wheel.
- Americans spend about 3.5 minutes on their phone per driving hour.
- They check their phone 88 of every 100 trips.
- Taking their eyes off the road for a mere two seconds increases the risk of a collision by more than 20 times.
(Source: Zendrive)
48 states and D.C. ban text messaging for all drivers
- Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands join them
- Missouri doesn’t let drivers 21 and younger text message
(Source: National Conference of State Legislatures)
25 states and D.C. ban handheld cellphone use while driving
- They join Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- 36 states and D.C. ban cellphone use for teen and new drivers
- 18 states and D.C. don’t permit school bus drivers to be on their cellphones
(Source: National Conference of State Legislatures)
High school students drive and use their smartphones
- 39% of high schoolers reported texting or emailing while driving at least once in the past 30 days in a CDC survey.
- It didn't matter whether students had A or B grades, or C, D, and F grades. They were equally likely to be on their phone while driving.
- White students were likelier to use their phones while driving; same for older students.
- Students who drove with phone distractions were prone to other risky behaviors such as not wearing a seat belt, driving drunk, and riding with a drunk driver.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Internet and Social Media Addiction Statistics
This guide covered a lot of ground. Some main points:
- Internet addiction and internet gaming addiction seem to affect males more (females can absolutely be addicted, though!).
- Social media addiction seems to affect females more.
- Teens are especially at risk.
- Internet or social media addiction seems more likely if other conditions such as easy internet access, depression, anxiety, and a lack of good in-person relationships exist.
- The line between chronic overuse and true addiction isn’t always clear. What’s more important is to focus on the amount of distress the behaviors cause (making you late to work vs. not, causing you to neglect spouses and friends in person vs. not, causing physical pain vs. not, etc.).
Regulating internet or social media use may require conscious planning, for example, deleting apps from your smartphone. It helps to find other activities to keep you offline. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to seek professional help for you or loved ones even if you believe certain behaviors don’t cross the line into addiction.