This week, with being tasked to complete the Social Media Disorder Scale (at the end of the post), I thought I would complete it first and write in some comments as I went along. I answered “no” to everything. I think my reason for everything being “no” the same for each question: I grew up during a time when social media was nowhere near prominent as it is today. I somewhat miss it.

Sure, we had some different internet communities geared towards similar interests and hobbies, and even a few fun Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games, but growing up when dial up internet was relatively new and only having a single computer in the household, you just live your normal, best life without it most of the time. I also prefer to be more on the private side when it comes to my life. Other than for a few people, I just want to be left alone in a hidden-mountain-house.

Even among those I work with and several of my friends are more-or-less the same. They may have accounts on certain popular social media platforms, but they’re mostly inactive and mostly use it to keep in contact with people that also use the service, such as family. I guess we just grew up in a different time.

It is interesting to see there is more cross-country consistency with girls being a victim to cyber-bullying online than boys. However, looking at the course material, I can’t seem to find anything that states social media use is different (aside from the platform used). I’m going to take a nap and try to remember to look over everything again and revisit this paragraph.

Regularly found that you can’t think of anything else but
the moment you will be able to use social media again?
Yes/No (Preoccupation).
No.

Regularly felt dissatisfied because you want to spend more
time on social media? Yes/No (Tolerance).
No.

Often felt bad when you could not use social media?
Yes/No (Withdrawal).
No.

Tried to spend less time on social media, but failed?
Yes/No (Persistence).
No.

Regularly neglected other activities (i.e. hobbies, sports,
homework) because you wanted to use social media?
Yes/No (Displacement).
No.

Regularly had arguments with others because of your
social media use? Yes/No (Problems).
No.

Regularly lied to your parents or friends about the amount
of time you spend on social media? Yes/No (Deception).
No.

Often used social media to escape from negative feelings?
Yes/No (Escape).
No.

Had serious conflict with parents, brother, sister (friends,
relationships etc.) because of your social media use?
Yes/No (Conflict).
No.