Social Media Addicts Behave Like Those Hooked on Drink and Drugs
Social media addicts make bad decisions, as though they are reliant on drink or drugs, a study suggests.
The Telegraph UK, 10 JAN 2019.
Researchers found a link between high levels of social media use and poor decision-making Credit: Daniel Sambraus
The research by Michigan State University found that those who made heavy use of websites like Facebook and Twitter displayed signs of impaired decision-making, like those with substance addiction.
US scientists conducting a gambling experiment found that the worst performers tended to be those hooked on social media sites such as Facebook.
Precisely the same trend has been seen in people who abuse drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
Lead researcher Dr Dar Meshi, from Michigan State University, said: "Around one-third of humans on the planet are using social media, and some of these people are displaying maladaptive, excessive use of these sites.
"Our findings will hopefully motivate the field to take social media overuse seriously."
The study highlights a connection between excessive social media use and risky decision making, a common feature of drug addiction.
Dr Meshi's team first asked 71 participants to take part in a survey designed to measure their psychological dependence on Facebook.
Questions asked about their pre-occupation with the platform, their feelings when unable to use it, attempts to quit the site, and the impact Facebook had on their jobs or studies.
Participants were then asked to take part in the Iowa Gambling Task, a method of assessing decision-making and risky behaviour widely used by psychologists.
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