Is Social Media More Addictive Than Alcohol?

You might be feeling that spending time on any social media network is a simple way to pass time and is a common habit. But a recent study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business says that social networking sites can be more addictive, than alcohol. The desire to consume alcohol can be controlled and turned down, but the desire to check Facebook is simply uncontrollable for most people, and it’s a serious addiction.

About the study
The ground breaking study was done on 250 people in and around Germany aged between 18 and 85 years of age. They were sent messages at specific intervals to report their desires and cravings. It is found that most people had the desire to sleep and have sex during the day that they were able to control. But the desire for checking Facebook was much higher.

Reasons for Facebook addiction

1. One of the major reasons is that the availability of Facebook is much easier and higher than alcohol availability.
2. Also, it is thought that the cost of checking Facebook is much less than consuming some amount of alcohol on a regular basis.
3. Even if a man wants to resist his desire, but due to easy availability and lesser cost, he is prone to use it again and again.
4. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in public and during office hours in many countries. But checking Facebook updates have no restrictions. People can check it whenever they feel the desire.
5. The most shocking part is the urges drove the people to such an extent, that they couldn’t even resist themselves even if they wanted to do so.

Effects of Facebook addiction

1. Drainage of time: No matter how good we feel while checking Facebook updates, can you deny that it’s simply a waste of time?
2. Self-esteem reduced: When you see your peers enjoying their life with flying colours, no wonder you will feel depressed. But we are reluctant to believe this fact, that nobody shows his tragic part of life on Facebook. So, whom you think is the happiest person in the world, maybe the saddest and is drowned in his own miseries.

The remedy of this so-called addiction
The study says that when we are much worn out, we are unable to control our desire and our will power is depleted.

So, if you find yourself posting your status on Facebook at the midnight instead of sleeping, then it is high time you should try to come out of this addiction and give yourself a better life and health.