Social Networking Addiction

Social Networking Addiction has become increasingly debated among experts and social network users. Addiction to the internet has been treated and studied for well over a decade. With the introduction of formats that allow users to interact more often then they may have previously done, such as Twitter, Facebook, Hi5, and Friendster the ability to become addicted or attached to social networking sites has become more plausible. This ability to interact can be quite elevating to moods, and be more easily accelerated into addiction. Any behavior which causes the elevation of a persons mood can cause addiction. Addiction to social networks is highly debatable, but science has long since concluded that human nature can create an addiction out of almost every source Does social networking addiction exist? How can such an addiction be diagnosed and treated?

People who have become disconnected from, or have had a inability to connect too, social activities are more likely to use and abuse the foundations of social networking. The American Psychology Association (AMA) has been clear about their skepticism over social networking addiction. In fact, little research has been concluded on the subject. Instead, studies of the condition rely on theoretical papers. These papers rely on the observance of behavior and speculations of philosophical aspects. Psychiatrists often see social networking addiction as a symptom of other underlying conditions such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, and phobias. The AMA and other expert organizations agree that there is a possibility, but require more in-depth investigation and research.

Facts.
Social Networking addiction is a behavioral not substance addiction. Addictions are empowered by emotional cycles. For instance, an addict is created by the need for more pleasurable feelings in their life. They then begin to feel shame or guilt, the shame and guilt (being a negative emotion) then causes them to look for more pleasure...thereby creating a cycle of addiction. Addiction is a reaction to a habitual need to act in a way to relieve stress, emotional discomfit, or levels of sadness. Looking for healthy substitutes at the onset can help avoid addiction.

Symptoms of Internet/Social Networking Addiction.
You social networking activities cause you to neglect your obligations such as housework, school work, and work.
You hide the truth about how much time you're online.
You lose track of time when you're on sites like Twitter.
Your social networking activities have caused negative issues at work or school, yet you continue those activities.
Updating your Facebook status (how you're feeling) replaces 'talking it out' with friends or family.
You sleep less, and avoid sleep regardless of fatigue, too spend time on sites like Facebook.
Your discussions (offline) tend to include your posts, or the post of others, more than conversations about the other aspects of your life.
You have gnawing feelings of guilt and shame over the amount of networking use.
You become agitated or have mood swings when you're forced to spend periods of time away from social networks.
You devote increased thoughts to what activities are, or could be going on, on Friendster or Twitter when you are not on them.
You increasingly share information or become apart of online activities and discussions you KNOW are dangerous.
You create an enhanced online personality-unrelated to your real person.
You lie about relationships or children to encourage more interaction online by other users.
You spend more time socializing online, and begin to avoid person to person interactions.
You prefer interactions on social networking sites over various intimacies with your partner.
You are too preoccupied with the posts of those you follow.
You begin to lie in order to add excitement to your Facebook and Twitter wall.
You define yourself, or feel inflated and deeply saddened, by the number of friends or followers you have collected.
(These are some of the most categorized symptoms of social networking addiction, though there may be many more. Keep in mind that these symptoms may also be related to other situation that have nothing to do with social networking or addictions at all. )

Whose At Risk For Social Networking Addiction?
People with prior addictions or addictive personality.
Housewives or stay at home mothers who long for adult interactions.
People with little or no at home support system.
Individuals with social phobias.
Teens are at the highest risk due to the natural processes of adolescent doubts and pressure.
Those with depression or loneliness.
Individuals with anxiety disorders.

What To Do/Finding Information
Though Social Networking addiction has not been studied in depth, there are still resources that can help individuals with their possible addictions. Common steps to deal with any form of addiction can be substituted in the case of this online addiction.

Look for healthy outlets-create diverse choices and activities.
Replace the addictive behavior with one that causes the same stimulation in a healthy manner.
Look into behavior modification exercises.
Create a support system.
Create a system of steps to rid yourself of the addiction.
Seek professional help.

Getting Help!
Log onto the Center For Net Addiction, founded in 1996, for information and help.
Take the net addiction test to see where you stand.
Behavioral Addictions Hotlines 800-789-2647 (You will get referrals, information, and resources.)
Directory of mental health and addiction resources.
National Mental Health Hotline 800-969-NMHA (6642).
Learn more about social networking addiction at Psych Central.
Learn how to manage your Facebook-Twitter addiction at Lifehack.

Additional Resources:
What not to post on Twitter or Facebook
CNN
Internet Addiction Help Guides