Let’s be real—social media is everywhere, and for most of us, it’s part of our daily routine.
But there’s a fine line between using it to connect and letting it take over your life.
I’ve been there, scrolling endlessly, letting likes and comments feel like a measure of my worth. It’s exhausting.
Some people cross that line without even realizing it, turning their online lives into their whole reality.
The signs?
They’re not always obvious, but they’re there—behaviors that seem harmless at first but reveal just how much social media controls their thoughts, actions, and even relationships.
In this article, we’re diving into nine specific behaviors that, according to psychology, signal someone might be taking social media a little too seriously.
Whether you see these traits in yourself or someone you care about, this is your chance to hit pause and reflect.
1) They obsess over likes and comments
Obsession over likes and comments isn’t always as noticeable as you might think.
It can subtly creep into someone’s behavior over time.
You may notice that these individuals constantly check their social media notifications, eager to see who’s reacted to their latest post.
They might even feel anxious or upset if they don’t receive the expected number of likes or comments.
In some instances, they might obsessively compare their engagement level with others’, feeling a sense of inadequacy if their posts do not perform as well as their peers’.
They could even go to the extent of deleting posts that didn’t get enough attention or constantly refreshing their pages in the hope of seeing a rise in their engagement numbers.
This unhealthy fixation on online validation can indicate a serious dependency on social media for self-esteem and approval.
2) They’re constantly online
Being constantly online doesn’t just mean being physically glued to the screen, but also mentally preoccupied with what’s happening on social media platforms.
You might find them checking their feeds during a meal, in the middle of a conversation, or even late into the night.
Their day starts and ends with social media.
It’s as if they’re living in two worlds at once – the real one and the online one.
And often, it seems like they prefer the latter.
This behavior can lead to a form of cognitive dissonance, where there’s a conflict between their real-life experiences and their online interactions.
The constant need to stay updated and involved in the virtual world can create stress and anxiety, affecting their overall well-being.
3) They avoid posting about their real-life struggles
Interestingly, even though they’re constantly active on social media, these individuals rarely post about their real-life struggles or challenges.
Instead, they curate a picture-perfect online persona, showcasing only the highlights of their life.
Their feed is filled with happy moments, achievements, and picture-perfect selfies.
You might find them spending hours to capture the perfect photo or crafting the wittiest caption.
It’s as if they’re living a life that’s free of hardships or failures.
This behavior not only creates a false image of perfection but also deepens their disconnect from reality.
They may start believing in the illusion they’ve created online and struggle to cope with the realities of their offline life.
Research indicates that this phenomenon, often referred to as “toxic positivity,” can lead to increased stress and anxiety, as individuals feel pressured to maintain an unrealistic facade of happiness.
4) They compare themselves to others relentlessly
This is a hard one to admit, but it’s a behavior that’s all too common among those who take social media too seriously.
They find themselves endlessly scrolling through feeds filled with the seemingly perfect lives of others and can’t help but compare.
Maybe it’s the friend who always seems to be vacationing in exotic locations, the colleague who just bought a new house, or the acquaintance who just got promoted.
Each post they come across becomes a measure of their own success or lack thereof.
This relentless comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
It’s a vicious cycle – the more they compare, the worse they feel about themselves and the more they turn to social media for validation.
It’s a downward spiral that’s hard to break free from.
5) They use social media as an emotional outlet
In a world where expressing our emotions openly can sometimes feel intimidating, social media provides a platform for people to vent, celebrate, and express their feelings.
But for those who take social media a bit too seriously, it might become their primary emotional outlet.
It’s not unusual for them to post about every emotion they experience – be it joy, sadness, anger, or excitement.
It’s perfectly fine to share our feelings online but relying solely on virtual interactions for emotional support can be problematic.
It’s okay to seek comfort and connection online.
But it’s also important to have real-life connections and support systems.
Social media should complement our offline relationships, not replace them.
Let’s be kind to ourselves and each other as we navigate this digital age together.
6) They feel anxious when they can’t access social media
We’ve all been there.
The WiFi goes out, your data runs out, or you simply can’t use your phone.
And there’s this nagging feeling of something missing.
This feeling is even more intense for those who take social media too seriously.
They might feel a sense of restlessness or anxiety when they can’t check their feeds.
It could be during a flight, in a meeting, or while spending quality time with loved ones.
This constant need to be connected can infringe upon their ability to fully engage with the present moment.
It’s like a part of them is always somewhere else, lost in the endless scroll of social media updates.
Based on a research, individuals who are unable to access social media may experience heightened anxiety or distress, as they constantly check their phones, seeking validation and connection through likes, comments, and notifications.
7) They celebrate social media milestones
Remember when you were a kid and you’d make a big deal out of every birthday, losing a tooth, or even managing to tie your shoelaces for the first time?
Well, for those who take social media seriously, celebrating these sorts of milestones has taken on a whole new meaning.
They might throw a mini-party when they hit a certain number of followers, or feel over the moon when their post gets shared by a well-known influencer.
It’s like they’ve scored the winning goal in the World Cup final!
While it’s great to celebrate successes, it’s also important to remember that these online milestones don’t define our worth or success.
But hey, if you’ve just hit 1000 followers, go ahead and do a little happy dance.
You’ve earned it!
8) They neglect real-life responsibilities
Alright, it’s time for some tough love.
If you’re spending more time curating your online persona than attending to your real-life responsibilities, it’s time for a reality check.
It could be as simple as choosing to scroll through social media instead of doing your laundry, or as severe as ignoring work deadlines or school assignments to keep up with the latest trends online.
It’s crucial to remember that these platforms should not overshadow your real-life obligations.
Don’t let the virtual world take precedence over the actual world.
There’s much more to life than likes, comments, and shares.
It’s time to log off and show up for your real life.
9) Their self-worth is tied to their online persona
Interestingly, even though they’re constantly active on social media, these individuals rarely post about their real-life struggles or challenges.
Instead, they curate a picture-perfect online persona, showcasing only the highlights of their life.
Their feed is filled with happy moments, achievements, and picture-perfect selfies.
You might find them spending hours to capture the perfect photo or crafting the wittiest caption.
It’s as if they’re living a life that’s free of hardships or failures.
This behavior not only creates a false image of perfection but also deepens their disconnect from reality.
They may start believing in the illusion they’ve created online and struggle to cope with the realities of their offline life.
A study published in Current Psychology highlights that social media platforms often encourage users to present idealized versions of themselves, which can lead to increased social comparison and negatively impact self-esteem.
Final thoughts on social media use
If you’ve identified with some of the behaviors we’ve outlined in this article, it’s important to remember that recognizing these patterns is the first step towards healthier social media use.
As Dr. Sherry Turkle, a professor at MIT and expert on the psychology of technology, once said, “We expect more from technology and less from each other. This puts us at the center of a perfect storm.”
Being overly involved with social media can lead to a disconnection from our true selves, and an unhealthy dependence on virtual validation.
But your worth is not defined by your online persona or by how many likes or followers you have.
This article isn’t about diagnosing or labeling anyone as a ‘social media addict’.
Instead, it serves as a reminder to maintain a balanced relationship with social media, and to prioritize real-life connections and experiences.
It’s essential to remember that while social media can be a fun and useful tool for keeping in touch with friends, learning new things, and even promoting businesses, it shouldn’t replace our real-life experiences or dictate our self-worth.
If you find that social media is taking up too much of your time or affecting your mental health, consider seeking professional help.
There are many psychologists and therapists who specialize in this area and can provide valuable guidance.
Ultimately, the goal is not to quit social media entirely, but to use it in a way that enriches our lives rather than dominating them.
Take some time to reflect on your relationship with social media.
Are you using it as a tool?
Or has it become the carpenter?
The choice, as always, is yours.
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