Various online platforms and social media help us maintain communication with people from a distance, stay informed about important global or regional events, follow new trends, and peek into others’ lives. More details on houstonka.
Unfortunately, with each passing year, people are becoming increasingly dependent on social media. Houston psychologists note that internet platforms often negatively impact a person’s mental health.
How does this manifest? How can one overcome social media addiction? What do psychologists in Houston recommend?
First, Joy, Then Depression
Frank Ortiz, a psychotherapist who has been working in Houston for over four years, specializes in counseling and psychotherapy. He invested significant resources in his education to become a skilled professional. Since Houston is known for having a well-developed psychology sector, the requirements for specialists are high. Frank Ortiz provides his services at District Counseling, a Houston counseling center with four locations across the city.
Ortiz explains that internet technologies can trigger a sensation of gratification, much like other forms of addiction. When scrolling through social media, we produce dopamine, the “reward hormone.” This feeling arises when others like your posts, comment, follow your profile, or send you messages. Since we often have no limitations on social media usage, dopamine can be produced daily, which over time can lead to addiction.
However, this feeling of joy, reward, and satisfaction quickly turns into feelings of depression and negativity. Some individuals become so accustomed to online communication that they neglect real-life interactions, gradually withdrawing from them.
When browsing other people’s social media profiles, whether friends or popular bloggers, we tend to forget that people usually only showcase the highlights of their lives, leaving out the less favorable moments. This can lead to comparing your life with others, causing feelings of envy, inadequacy, and depression.
The more time we spend on social media, the less energy we have for real life. People become less focused and attentive, often losing sleep, disrupting eating habits (overeating due to stress or forgetting to eat), and more.
How to Solve the Problem
The Houston psychotherapist emphasizes that recognizing your dependence on social media and acknowledging the problem is already half the battle. This allows us to analyze our unhealthy approach to internet technologies and begin to change the situation.
If you cannot control the amount of time you spend on social media, consider installing a special app. This tool will not only track your usage but also set restrictions on accessing social networks when necessary.
Start spending more time outdoors. Houston is a great place for walks year-round, even in winter when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Invite your friends for a meetup at a Houston gallery, cinema, shopping mall, or library. Interacting with people in person can help you disconnect from social media and live in the moment.
Find a new hobby—Houston offers plenty of opportunities. For instance, the city’s roads are ideal for daily bike rides, scooter trips, or roller skating, which will not only improve your physical fitness but also benefit your overall health.
Begin reading more books. There are many bookstores in the city, along with the Houston Public Library, where you’ll surely find books that suit your interests.