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Social media addiction ... How can I stop experiencing this problem?

Tagged as: Friends, Social Media, Trust issues<< Previous question   Next question >>
Question - (8 August 2016) 6 Answers - (Newest, 9 August 2016)
A female United States age 36-40, *enada846 writes:

Does anyone have any advice on how to stop this social media addiction- I am surrounded by fake friends and people I just waste time with that all they do and j used to do is post on social media to show off - buy clothes go to expensive dinners or basically stalk exes

In there - long story short I realize this was not a reality cause j have all these photos myself and I am not happy- after accepting that the people in my life wete not good - I broke the chain and left but now it feels like they never left - I'm on social media non stop and in a sick way they still rule my mind - even my ex is still in there and I get he is an asshole and hurt me but I can't help but check up on him cause a part of me is still hurt about what he did to me. Can anyone relate to this addiction - it's bad because when I go out all I think about is showing off or posting - to the point when I'm sadly not even enjoying the moment!

I realize that the people in my social network are just the same hence we were connected through that bond of materialism - showing off and getting attention

I have now stepped out of denial in my life and am desperately trying to get better - any tips on how to break this addiction ?

View related questions: my ex

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A female reader, anonymous, writes (9 August 2016):

I do believe this is now becoming a genuine addiction and an epidemic among people.

Sitting on the train today and not one person was without a phone in front of them.

I have given up on social media because I'm fed up of all the self absorbed people sharing selfies and photos of their expensive material possessions. A lot of people use it to brag (including my family ) which in turn has made me dislike them.

I started to feel angry and upset about it all so I deleted it. So much happier without it. So glad I don't gave to see people with stupid eyebrows everyday and actually enjoying time at home rather than absorbed into my phone. Delete everything, Facebook, Instagram, whatever else you have.

Find a hobby you enjoy , I've taken up football! And have fun in the real world , social media gives off fake images of people and their "amazing" lives. I used to wonder "why can't I be that attractive, why can't I have that life" now I couldn't care less!! :-D

Do it!

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A female reader, anonymous, writes (9 August 2016):

Hi! I too had a severe addiction to social media for years. I would wake up and spend all day checking facebook and it ended up affecting my ability to parent my young children. I tried to set up time limits however I couldn't stick to it and ultimately i ended up deactivating my facebook account. For about 3 months it was HORRIBLE. However, 12 months on, i dont miss it. Nobody keeps in touch anymore and I don't know what people are doing but it's shown me who my true friends are and now iam able to focus my time on the more important things in life - my kids. I have also recently started a degree so i am definately doing better for myself. Good luck

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A female reader, deirdre Ireland +, writes (8 August 2016):

You have got some great advice already particularly from Andy's Thoughts who suggested volunteering somewhere. This would take your mind off superficial things and helping someone else or a good cause such as a charity or animals would be really beneficial as you would get to see the bigger picture in life. I do volunteer in a charity shop and it is an effective distraction from other issues.

In this case some professional counselling or advice would be useful, your GP should be able to point you in the right direction. Once you are no longer dependant on social media you will see what a waste of time it is to be using it excessively. Sure it has its uses for communicating with friends/family/people with the same interests, but getting out in the real world and meeting people is better. Even if you dont make friends for a while, simply doing something you enjoy and having a new experience is worthwhile. As for spending money, you can have fun without spending much money. I hope you can rediscover these simple but valuable pleasures.

The sooner you seek help regarding this issue the sooner you will find happiness. Many people in this world are superficial but when you build up your self esteem their opinions will cease to matter to you. Sorry if my post was a bit jumbled, I hope the advice will be helpful to you. Feel free to update us, best wishes

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A female reader, Andie's Thoughts United Kingdom +, writes (8 August 2016):

Andie's Thoughts agony auntI can see from your few posts that you are really struggling with this change in your life, so I think seeking therapy would be useful - even if it's some form of group therapy/support that applies to your situation somehow.

Delete your social media accounts, OP - *all* of them. Delete the apps from your phone and limit your time "escaping" from the real world.

Volunteer at an animal rescue/charity shop/homeless shelter, get a new hobby or two, get a new job or throw yourself into your current one more, etc. You need to fill the void in your life with tangible things, not online things, and non-materialistic things. Enrich your life, OP.

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A female reader, Honeypie United States + , writes (8 August 2016):

Honeypie agony auntDelete your social media accounts? If you feel like you can't control yourself, maybe that is the way to go.

There really is no instant fix here. YOU have to decide what YOU want for YOUR life and then follow through.

If that means DELETE your FACEBOOK (or whichever you use) then DO so. It's not like you can't make a new one down the road if you "need" it to keep in touch with family and REAL friends.

LIMIT yourself to how much time you spend on the computer, tablet or phone and STICK to it.

Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. The ONLY one you are accountable to is YOU.

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A female reader, anonymous, writes (8 August 2016):

Social media can be addictive, and it is one of the latest trends.

Maybe picking up a hobby can help. And perhaps use social media to share this hobby. That way you are still enjoying social media, but in a healthy way.

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