The World Health Organization (WHO) considers video game addiction as a mental health problem, although it has not made the same decision with the excessive use of social networks. This has caused some concern among those who study the behavior of people who spend too much time on them.
Experts such as psychologist Mark Griffiths, a professor at the Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom), have indicated that the Social networks addiction has behavioral manifestations similar to those caused by chemical addictions such as alcoholism or smoking.
In addition, specialists report that the potential for addiction to social networks does not depend so much on the time spent in them, but on the effect it can have on a user. The key lies in the impact that that time may cause in other areas of the person's life.
For those who suffer from this addiction, it is advisable to follow the following tips:
1. Spend a few minutes without technology. Many people find it difficult to go a few minutes without looking at a screen. They even do it impulsively. For them, a first step is to allocate 15 minutes a day without technology. You have to get used to spending a few hours without being connected. It is the first step to change your habit.
2. Do not use the mobile as an alarm clock. It will allow us to reduce anxiety checking social media at bedtime. In addition, by their own design, these devices increase the difficulty of falling asleep, says Zonatech journalist Núria Vila. “The white light emitted by smartphones can make it difficult to sleep. This is because the emission of light in short intervals reduces the hormone that regulates sleep ”, says the specialist.
3. Reply to messages at set times. Disabling push notifications or changing volume settings to silent will reduce our need to constantly check devices. See notifications only three times a day it will allow us to save time to carry out other activities.
4. Set screen-free moments per day. It is important to set certain times without technology, for example, during meals. Another option is to organize and set a whole day without screens, except for television. In this way we will also enjoy moments with our family members.
5. Wear a wristwatch. Just as many people use their phone as an alarm clock, they also check it to check the time consciously or unconsciously. When turning on the screen, they feel the need to check notifications from social networks, email or open other applications. Wearing a wristwatch instead will reduce the exposure time.
Another recommendation is to reduce the contact lists. Leave WhatsApp groups unimportant and delete apps that we don't use will help us reduce notifications.
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