Facebook and Twitter ‘more addictive than tobacco and alcohol’

Social Media Addiction

 

Introduction

According to a study on people’s everyday desires, refraining from checking social networking sites for updates is more challenging than declining an alcoholic drink.

The study involved 250 individuals who were surveyed, and it revealed that sleep and sex were the two most desirable things during the day. However, resisting the temptation to stay up to date with social networks and work proved to be the most difficult.

Interestingly, despite their addictive qualities, alcohol and tobacco ranked much lower in terms of eliciting desire.

Researchers from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business equipped participants with devices that tracked approximately 8,000 reports on their everyday desires. They observed that frequently or recently resisting a particular urge increased the likelihood of giving in the next time.

The constant struggle to resist temptation throughout the day depletes our willpower, which ultimately makes our cravings even stronger, according to the researchers.

Dr Wilhelm Hofmann, who spearheaded the study published in the Psychological Science journal, explained that “willpower becomes lower as the day progresses, and efforts to exercise self-control are more likely to falter.”

A separate study, also published in the same journal, suggested that momentarily restraining ourselves when we crave food could help regulate the amount we consume to feel satisfied.

The researchers from the Catolica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics discovered that individuals who initially postponed consuming the crisps given to them during a week-long experiment ended up consuming lower amounts than those who ate the snacks right away.

 

Getting Help

In times of stress and emotional turbulence, seeking professional help is a vital step towards mental and emotional well-being. Therapy has long been recognized as an effective tool for managing mental health, and with the advent of technology, it has become more accessible than ever. Online telehealth platforms offer convenient, confidential, and affordable access to licensed therapists and mental health professionals from the comfort of your home. During a pandemic, when social distancing measures are in place, online therapy has become an indispensable lifeline for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Seeking help through online telehealth platforms can help individuals build resilience, develop coping mechanisms, and lead fulfilling lives despite facing adversity. Therefore, incorporating the use of online telehealth platforms into mental health care is an essential step towards creating a healthier and more inclusive society.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of one’s mental health is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. It is essential to recognize that seeking help through therapy and utilizing online telehealth platforms can be instrumental in achieving mental and emotional well-being. With the rise of telehealth, accessing licensed therapists and mental health professionals has become more convenient and affordable than ever before, especially during a pandemic. By incorporating online telehealth into mental health care, we can create a more accessible and inclusive system that empowers individuals to build resilience, develop coping mechanisms, and lead fulfilling lives despite facing adversity. It is time to prioritize mental health care and take advantage of the resources available to us to improve our quality of life.

Leave a Reply