Even before doing this exercise, I had already been trying to cut back on how much time I spend on social media. So watching the Social Media and Cybersecurity video and taking the Social Media Disorder Scale came at an interesting time. After answering the questions honestly, I scored a 4 out of 9. That puts me in the “risky usage” category. It’s not a huge red flag, but it’s definitely a reminder that I still have some habits to work on. 

I think the questions on the scale were pretty accurate and relatable. A few of them really made me stop and think, especially the ones about trying to cut back but not being successful or using social media to escape negative emotions. It’s easy to fall into those patterns without even realizing it. 

One thing that really stood out to me is how often we use social media just to fill boredom. The second we’re not doing something, or our minds start to wander, we automatically reach for our phones. It’s like we’re chasing that quick dopamine hit from a notification, a funny video, or a new post. It’s such a normal habit that we don’t even question it, but that’s the problem. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break. 

When it comes to how social media use varies around the world, I think it has a lot to do with culture, access, and age. In places like the U.S., being online is just part of everyday life. We’re constantly connected, and there’s a lot of pressure to stay active on different platforms. In other countries, access to smartphones or the internet might be more limited, which naturally affects how much people use social media. 

Overall, this was a good reminder to stay mindful of how and why I use social media. It’s not about quitting completely, but about being more intentional with my time and attention.