compulsive social-media use

Tom, at the age of 32, battled with an addiction to technology that consumed his life. He sought extreme measures to overcome this dependence, including a three-month self-directed "dopamine detox" in Stockholm. This involved cold plunges, exercise, and hiking without checking his phone. However, his previous attempts at moderation had failed, and he found himself back on his devices, unable to resist the pull of YouTube and video games.

Tom eventually discovered two 12-step programs: Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA) and Media Addicts Anonymous. These programs offered him a new perspective on sobriety, teaching him to let go and calm his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. He attended his first ITAA meeting in Manhattan, where he compared his experiences of compulsive screen use with those of others, recognizing the parallels with his own struggles.

The recognition of social media addiction gained momentum in March 2023 when a landmark ruling in California deemed social media addictive and held tech companies accountable for the harms caused by their products. Meta, facing lawsuits from various states in the U.S., agreed to an $18-billion settlement that required it to change how children interact with Instagram and Facebook.

Additionally, numerous countries have banned these apps for children under a certain age, reflecting the growing concern over their impact on younger generations.

While there is ongoing debate about whether to classify all unhealthy social media use as "addiction," research is gradually shedding light on the risks associated with excessive technology use and how individuals can regain control of their digital lives. Experts emphasize the importance of finding a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of online connection, making the question of how to achieve sobriety from social media a pressing issue in today's society.