SOCIAL media has become part and parcel of life.
According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Internet Users Survey, 2023 Malaysia's internet penetration rate stood at 97 per cent of the total population at the beginning of the year, 81 per cent of which (regardless of age) used at least one social-media platform.
As of January 2023, 79 per cent of the Malaysian population uses social media.
A 2022 study by Samantha and Zhooriyati reported the positive and negative aspects of social media usage by Malaysian adolescents. The positive purposes included seeking information, communicating with others, alleviating boredom and decreasing bad mood.
The negative purposes included seeking online validation, fear of missing out (FOMO), addiction, and anticipation of positive effects in future. The concern is that social-media usage often leads to more negative effects on the mental health causing low self-esteem and negative mood than positive effects.
Moreover, high usage has resulted in unfavourable consequences. The individuals may use social media for a good purpose initially but end up experiencing adverse effects.
Another Malaysian study by Michelle et al (2023) showed social media addiction to be associated with a higher tendency to depression, anxiety and stress.
Social-media addiction, a growing public health issue, is a behavioural addiction relating to the individual's attachment to social media. It refers to a compulsive and excessive use of social media even when use of those platforms is taking over one's life and has a negative impact on real life and relationships.
The symptoms include salience, compulsive use, and mood swings related to experiences on social media; and occur in stages like alleviation of distress, tolerance, and withdrawal, as well as continuation despite negative consequences.
Logging in to one's favourite app on social media releases dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain, associated with pleasure. The brain identifies this activity as rewarding, urging one to repeat.
Such a reaction is overwhelming whenever a post gains positive feedback, causing positive reinforcement in the brain like other addictions.
However, the positive feelings are only temporary; as the feel-good dopamine wears off, it pushes one for more. And the more one engages, the more the brain informs to engage, making it a vicious cycle.
Prevention is better than cure. The best way is avoiding overuse and over-dependence on social media for whatsoever purpose be it positive or negative.
First is discipline and self-control. One needs to set a time limit on social-media usage and be mindful of one's emotions to prevent being carried away.
Second, physical separation from devices can encourage one to look for other opportunities for entertainment and social interactions. Indulging in activities not involving the use of smart phones is an alternative.
Third, regular exercise and physical activity releases dopamine which compensates for decreased dopamine levels from less social media usage.
Fourth, remove the apps from the smartphones and turn off notifications. The advantage is it will limit the use as one can access through the laptop or desktop.
Fifth, plan to take regular breaks from social media, lasting one day, one week or a month depending on individual need. Meanwhile, make it a point to meet family and friends regularly face-to-face.
The idea is to have controlled and balanced use rather than total abstinence. By taking frequent breaks and setting clear boundaries for oneself and especially children, we can use social media for its advantages.
However, if the problem is severe and out of control or one is in doubt, it is advisable to seek professional help, which can help diagnose and manage mental health issues, preventing untoward consequences.
Lastly, pharmacotherapy has been suggested for treatment of extreme cases by experts.
Given the rising prevalence of social media addiction, a national policy to regulate internet use particularly for the youth will help curb the issue.
Meanwhile, educational promotion about the consequences of social media addiction and practical solutions are mandatory.
The writer is an assistant professor at the Anesthesiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University