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Why Is Social Media So Addictive?

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Are you obsessed with your phone? Even if you don’t want to admit it, most of us are! You know that feeling when you just can’t resist the urge to check your notifications, even in the most unexpected places? We’ve all been there, but why?
On this page you’ll find some interesting information around the theme of social media, a video for listening practice, exciting book recommendations for reading and some IELTS exam advice and past paper questions for writing! Get started! 
⬇️Go straight to the bottom of the page for some IELTS exam preparation practice!
The Origins of social media 
The Science Behind Social Media Addiction
I’m Addicted, So What?
What’s the solution?
Social Media for Language Learning
A Case for Social Media
Video – Listening Practice!
Speaking Practice!
Book Recommendations 
Discussion: IELTS section – Exam Preparation
You might think of the time before social media as a happier, more virtuous and more wholesome time, with young kids playing in the streets together on their bikes instead of staring endlessly and mindlessly into a phone screen. I do too, and I always think fondly of my childhood without social media, before the existence of TikTok and the big boom of Instagram. 
Social media as we know it today all started in the late 70’s (yes! I was surprised too that it was that early!) as something called Bulletin Board Systems, which were a super early form of online community where you could dial into the system and exchange messages, files, and play text based games. This program was then developed by a company called Six Degrees which was basically the same thing, but allowed you to create profiles, list your friends and send messages to people (I wonder which hugely successful social network got their idea from that?!) It got shut down in 2001, after which a couple of copycat sites like Friendster and Myspace replicated the idea, only to get shut down too because of technical issues. 
It was in 2004 when the trend in social networking really caught traction, with the creation of the biggest platform in social networking, Facebook; it was created by Mark Zuckerberg with the main goal of creating a network for university students. Probably the most influential thing about Facebook that set it apart from the rest of social media at the time was Zuckerberg’s “News Feed”, which caused a shift from social NETWORKING to social MEDIA, since you could also consume news and content on the site!
After Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat all followed suit as the biggest platforms of our era, and in 2016, TikTok hit the scene too, transforming the internet with short form video content that we just can’t seem to keep our eyes off of. 
So our culture has undergone a huge switch from face to face interaction to online messaging. From meeting friends in the streets to meeting them in your DMs (Direct Messages). We used to read newspapers but nowadays we prefer to scroll Twitter (or should we call it X now?). And reading books is becoming obsolete… it’s much more interesting to scroll through your feed, right?
There’s actually some science behind why you feel so addicted to social media! Do you find yourself constantly checking your social media in inappropriate situations, like at work or while driving? Do you feel anxious or irritable when you are in a situation where you can’t check your phone or have no access to your social media accounts? Do you prioritise your online relationships over real life connections with people? Do you have poor self esteem? Loss of interest in things that you once found interesting? Not sleeping well? 
All these are signs that you are an addict! 
Don’t worry though, you’re not alone! Just in the USA, it has been reported that up to 40% of 18-22 year olds feel as though they are addicted to social media, and the worldwide number is probably along the same lines. That’s a huge amount, seemingly making social media addiction one of the many pandemics of the 21st Century, but why is it happening?
Our immeasurably powerful human brains sometimes produce a hormone called dopamine which controls our positive emotions like feelings of happiness or pleasure. You might release dopamine when you are doing things that you like, like shopping, eating nice food, winning a game or even receiving your pay check. And ANOTHER activity that makes us release dopamine is receiving a notification, like, retweet or a comment! Some studies show that these small and satisfying inputs, when frequently recurring, give us continuous hits of dopamine so pleasurable that we just can’t stop!
In a similar way to what happens when people take recreational drugs, every time that we receive a small burst of dopamine, we want more and more and more and more, and by then, we are totally addicted and it’s hard to stop receiving the dopamine hits.  
Another side to it is endless scrolling and falling into an endless rabbit hole of content. Interestingly, Harvard Business Review conducted a series of studies on why people fall into this rabbit hole continuum. Since social media nowadays is literally engineered to keep you on the platform for as long as possible, they found that the participants in their studies kept scrolling because it “just felt right”. The conclusion for this is that the algorithms working behind the platforms are programmed to give users exactly the content that they will be interested in, so watching just one more interesting video wouldn’t hurt them too much. Before they knew it, one hour of scrolling had passed.
Being addicted to social media might not sound as serious as an addiction to some other substances like drugs or alcohol, but it could have a really serious effect on your mental and physical state.
There is clearly a link between social media use and poor mental health and low self esteem, since we are constantly forced to compare ourselves to others. It can become even more problematic when people rely on social media as their main coping mechanism for dealing with stress, loneliness, or depression. Platforms offer a consistent source of rewards that might be lacking in our offline lives, leading to an escalating involvement in social media activities. This prolonged engagement can result in loads of interpersonal challenges, such as the neglect of real-life relationships, the neglect of work or school, and even the neglect of your physical well-being. These issues can, in turn, worsen an individual’s emotional state. Unfortunately, because of this, many people tend to lean on social networking even more as a means of escaping their distressing moods. This repetitive cycle, where social media is used to search for an escape from unwanted emotions, deepens our psychological reliance on it.
Physical effects can also have an impact on us when we use social media, like eyestrain, insomnia and weight gain. Things like watching the screen from too close or too far away, for excessive amounts of time or having your screen brightness up too high can cause some serious eye-strain, resulting in headaches, neck pain and blurry vision – quite a serious price to pay for scrolling through your feed! The bright lights from your screen will also cause your brain to be overstimulated, which could make it harder to fall asleep, and the content that you are actually watching may cause feelings of anxiety which also fuels insomnia. Most of the time when we are checking our phones, we are sitting around or laying down, meaning that the more time we spend doing this, there is a decreased level of physical activity which can lead to weight gain. 
There’s more. Have you ever felt and heard a buzz in your pocket only to check your phone and not have a single notification. Or to not even have your phone anywhere near you? You are not the only one! Our obsession with our phones might have such a profound effect on us the we may develop something called Phantom Vibration Syndrome, where we hallucinate feeling and hearing our devices vibrate. The exact reason why this happens isn’t completely clear, but I’m willing to bet money that one reason is excessive phone use. This could be due to our brains being conditioned to believe that we need to be available and online constantly, so much so that we begin to feel as though others are constantly trying to reach us.
Don’t let social media manipulate you, but you should learn to manipulate it instead! Until now I’ve spoken fairly negatively about social media, but there are actually some pretty positive aspects too. It can be an incredible tool when it comes to staying connected to the world, gaining information about things that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, and interacting with other languages and cultures. Like everything in the world, too much of a good thing can cause it to become… bad, so we should learn to use our devices in moderation and in the right way. Not just that, but we should be aware of the dangers and negative influences that social media can have in our lives. 
Here is a quick read about how to stay on top of all things social – a survival guide to the world of social media, how to stay safe and how to use it in moderation!
Book level: Intermediate (B1+)
Are you fluent in social media? Get to know all about vlogs, memes, tags, trolls, influencers and more! This sweet book serves as a manual for anyone trying to stay safe online, and it’s a great way to practice your English!
If you think that you or someone you know might be suffering from addiction to social media, you might be able to find some useful information here. Although social media addiction still isn’t a medically recognisable condition, it can have an impact on us, so it’s totally normal to seek advice! 
I’ve already mentioned that social media is a great way to connect us to the world, and you should use it for just that! Other than just following your average ‘Learn English’ influencer, there are loads of better and more efficient ways in which you can use it as a language learning tool! 
The first thing to do is follow accounts that post about topics that you like in English as a native language. This is usually content that is made for native speakers that will come up on your feed and give you an unexpected nugget of English every time! A lot of people also like following newspapers like The Guardian or the Huffington post. 
Additionally, Youtube videos are fantastic exposure to audiovisual content, as are TikTok and Instagram. You can watch videos about anything from travel to beauty to even craftsmanship and you can get a huge level of exposure to English and English pronunciation from all parts of the world! 
Other platforms like X (Twitter) allow you to join language learning communities through groups like #langtwt where you might find like-minded language exchange partners to speak to and to practice with. Writing in forums like on Reddit or even creating your own blog can help with writing practice, so the access to language learning possibilities is immense! Otherwise, you can easily follow and consume content that is interesting to you! 
Remember that using social media can be a great way to practise immersion, a technique popular in helping learners acquire another language. You can read more about immersion here.
Although it’s often looked upon badly for all of its negative aspects, there are too many positive points for social media that we just can’t forget about!
Global connectivity,  giving a voice to people who otherwise wouldn’t have had a chance to have one, wider opportunities for education and learning, possibilities for business promotion, networking and career opportunities are just a few examples of the positive ways in which being social online can impact our lives. These are huge benefits that may counter social media’s drawbacks such as addiction, privacy concerns and misinformation.
Although social media is highly addictive, if used correctly it could have a positive impact too!
Happy scrolling!
Take a look at this video – Do you agree? Is social media destroying your life?
Time to start speaking!  Practicing conversation when learning English as a second language is like unlocking a door to a world of opportunities. 
You want to put all of that hard English learning work into practice, and interacting with native speakers or all speakers in general is the best way to do that from the comfort of your own home! A great place where you can do this is on Italki! 
It’s not just about mastering words and grammar; it’s about connecting with people, sharing ideas, and building relationships. Speaking fluently not only boosts your confidence but also opens doors to better job prospects, global travel, and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures. So, don’t just learn English; speak it! It’s your passport to a richer, more connected world.
Discousure
In some of our articles, you may find affiliate links. These links help support our website at no extra cost to you, allowing us to continue providing valuable content. Find out more…
Book Level: Advanced 
Irresistible by Adam Alter is a captivating exploration of our modern digital addiction epidemic. From social media to smartphone apps, Alter delves into the science behind why we can’t stop scrolling, revealing the powerful forces that keep us hooked. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand and regain control over their digital habits.
Book Level: Intermediate 
Click Here to Start is an exciting adventure that blends gaming and mystery. Follow Eric, a reluctant hero, as he goes on a quest inside a video game to uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and save the day. A thrilling read that will keep you hooked from the first click! Although it’s not strictly about social media, its an interesting read about the digital world
Book Level: Pre-Intermediate 
This book is an essential handbook for digital explorers. Packed with practical tips, safety advice, and engaging insights, this book empowers you to navigate the online world with confidence and responsibility. Equip yourself with the knowledge they need to thrive online while staying safe and smart.
Disclaimer
In some of our articles, you may find affiliate links (Amazon Associate and Italki Affiliate). These links help support our website at no extra cost to you, allowing us to continue providing valuable content, like on this page for example, where you can buy the products or services I have recommended. Find out more…
Get notified when a new article is up and it’s time to practice!
Social media is a common topic to come up in the IELTS exam, especially in Writing Part 2. Take a look at these 3 IELTS style questions:
In many countries, there is a growing concern about the addictive nature of social media. What are the reasons behind this addiction, and what measures can be taken to address it?
Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on individuals and society, while others argue that it has many positive effects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss the impact of social media on relationships. Are there more advantages or disadvantages to using social media in maintaining and forming personal relationships?
Based on what you have read in this article, along with your own knowledge of social media and its effects, outline and practice writing an answer to these questions. Make sure you plan out:
Make sure to maintain a formal tone, and avoid using slang or apostrophes!
You can write your answer in the comments section to really push yourself and share your ideas! Don’t forget to proofread!!
Inside these pages, you’ll find:
🌟 Expert Guidance: Benefit from Cambridge’s expertise in English language assessment.
📚 Comprehensive Content: Master all four IELTS components – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – with detailed strategies, tips, and practice exercises.
🌐 Real-Life Examples: Immerse yourself in authentic IELTS materials and gain the confidence to tackle any question.
📈 Proven Success: Join countless candidates who have achieved their IELTS dreams with the guidance of this trusted resource.
Don’t get left behind! It’s 2023 and nowadays you can use technology to help you practice your English! Did you know that you can use Chat GPT and OpenAI technology to help you practice your English? Ask the chat to generate exam style questions for you and then you can ask it to correct your response too! Check out this guide on exactly how you can use the chatbot for your English! ⬇️

Are you obsessed with your phone? Even if you don’t want to admit it, most of us are! You know that feeling when you just can’t resist the urge to check your notifications, even in the most unexpected places? We’ve all been there, but why?
On this page you’ll find some interesting information around the theme of social media, a video for listening practice, exciting book recommendations for reading and some IELTS exam advice and past paper questions for writing! Get started! 
⬇️Go straight to the bottom of the page for some IELTS exam preparation practice!
The Origins of social media 
The...

Why Is Social Media So Addictive?

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