Using the “Social Media Disorder Scale,” or SMD for short, I was able to calculate my own risk for social media use disorder. I scored a 0 on this questionnaire. I think the questions asked are very relevant. I do not worry about myself having a social media use disorder, but there are those in my personal life who have struggled with this. I have found that social media, especially among children, can be addicting. The questions asked in this questionnaire seem to align with most addictive behaviors. Examples like avoiding important obligations, impulses, and urges to use social media, as well as interfering in personal relationships, are in line with other issues associated with substance abuse disorders. Social Media’s main objective is to keep users engaged, and therefore, will publish content to do as such. When someone likes a post of yours, or you get a new friend request, this creates a feeling like a reaction in the brain similar to that of an alcoholic taking a sip of alcohol. Addiction to Social Media is a large issue, and mental health professionals around the world are issuing urgent warnings and bringing much awareness to this subject.
URL for questionnaire : https://www.brieftherapyconference.com/download/handouts/Tobi-Goldfus-Social-Media-Disorder-Scale.pdf