By Lucy Caulkett-
Nearly half of teenagers feel as if they are addicted to social media. The analysis, derived from the Millennium Cohort Study conducted by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), sheds light on the evolving relationship between young individuals and the digital realm, with researchers noting that this connection could be “akin to a behavioral addiction.”
The Cambridge University team used responses of 7,022 participants, aged 17, surveyed between January 2018 and March 2019.
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The research by Dr Amy Orben’s team at the University of Cambridge, used data from the Millennium Cohort study which is tracking the lives of about 19,000 people born in 2000-2002 across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. When the cohort were aged 16-18 they were asked, for the first time, about social media use.
It found that a staggering 48% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I think I am addicted to social media.” This revelation has sparked concerns about the potential impact of social media on the mental well-being of the younger generation.
Notably, the data showed a significant gender discrepancy, with 57% of girls admitting to feeling addicted, compared to 37% of boys. Georgia Turner, a graduate student at the University of Cambridge who spearheaded the analysis, emphasized that feeling addicted does not necessarily mean the individuals are clinically addicted.
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Nevertheless, she acknowledged the discomfort associated with feeling a lack of agency over one’s behavior.
“It’s not a nice feeling to feel you don’t have agency over your own behavior, so it’s quite striking that so many people feel like that,” said Ms. Turner.
The study challenges the notion of social media addiction as a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. Turner cautioned against oversimplifying the issue, stating that assuming social media addiction follows the same framework as drug addiction may be overly reductionist.
She suggested that different individuals might have distinct reasons for feeling addicted, ranging from compulsive checking to using social media as a coping mechanism for negative life experiences or succumbing to societal pressure.
“This is important not just for a philosophical discussion about addiction but in order to find appropriate interventions where needed. If addiction isn’t what’s causing someone’s problems, an addiction-based intervention may not help them,” Turner added.
The implications of these findings extend beyond the academic realm, sparking conversations about the potential need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to address the complex and varied relationships young individuals have with social media.
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