Did you know social media addiction is recognized as an actual addiction? According to Addiction Center, a website backed by researchers, 5-10% of Americans meet the criteria to have a social media addiction. Another study done by Harvard says the same part of your brain is active while on social media as when you take addictive substances.
While I might not qualify myself to have a social media addiction, I can definitely say I have a problem. The biggest platform that has been causing all my trouble is TikTok. There is nothing more satisfying than scrolling through 15-second videos curated for me for hours.
At first, I thought my addiction to the app was quirky. I cracked jokes to friends about how all I need is TikTok, but then I realized that my problem wasn’t so funny. I would spend all my time on the app and neglect my school work and relationships. It got to the point where I felt like I wasn’t being present. So, I decided to quit the app cold turkey for a week. Hint: I didn’t make it through the week.
Day ONe:
Since it’s only day one I don’t think I’ve felt the effect of not using TikTok. A couple of things I noticed was when I woke up I automatically reached for my phone to scroll on TikTok. I also went to reach for TikTok anytime I had free time and it just wasn’t there. I will say when studying I didn’t get as distracted as I normally do.
Day two:
It’s Tuesday and I’m surprised to say that I haven’t felt the urge to try and go on TikTok to start scrolling. I will admit I’m feeling a tiny bit out of the loop already, because Will Smith slapped Chris Rock and I didn’t know. I knew if I had TikTok I would have already known about the situation.
Day three:
I think TikTok can tell I’m not on its app because it keeps sending me emails about what I’m missing. I don’t think I’ve ever received an email from TikTok before. Today I found myself looking at another short-term video content, Instagram reels. If I had to describe them in one word: weird. If you don’t know what I’m talking about I encourage you to look at Insta reels for 10 minutes and you’ll know.
DaY four:
Guys, I feel the urge, I want to download TikTok again. I feel like I missing out on so much and I’m low-key missing some of my favorite creators on the platform too. I’m trying to resist but I’m so tempted to just download it. Update: guys, I’m watching TikToks on YouTube and I feel pathetic.
Day Five:
Today was the day it all went south. I broke my pledge to be TikTok-free for a week and downloaded the app. Honestly, I’m surprised I’ve made it this far, but I am proud of myself for holding out for five days. I really just wanted to watch my little cooking videos and OOTDs.
Through this experience, I realized how tight of a grasp social media has on me. For goodness’ sake, I have a physical reaction whenever I’m bored to pull out my phone and start scrolling on TikTok. Even though I didn’t last a full week by the end of five days I felt less of that initial action to go on social media and only craved the entertainment when I was truly bored. While I don’t think I will ever get rid of social media in my life, this experience has taught me the benefit of taking time away.