Why Social Media Stress Could Make You Addicted To Facebook and Co

I wake to a loud bang. It’s 3.41am. Something somewhere in the distance has collapsed — perhaps a building structure. Everyone’s always renovating their properties in this neighborhood. It’s become an obsession among East Londoners. I close my eyes ready to fall back into a deep sleep. Nothing. The body can be disappointing that way. Lying awake, I agonize over my failure to get the full eight hours of rest I promised myself. I reach for my iPhone, unlock the screen and tap on the gradient blue square. Good morning Facebook!

Posts from friends, publishers and faint acquaintances roll by as I gently stroke the display. The Amazon forest continues to burn; Mike is looking for a room to rent; Trump is still president; adopt Snuggles or the Ragdoll at a kill shelter faces certain death. Perhaps the Astronomy group I’ve recently joined provides for a more uplifting read. Elon Musk is working on a plan to land a spaceship on the dusty desert planet that is Mars — our soon second (possibly only) home. Swap to Marketplace. I could do with a new plant for my desk. A Peace Lily…

I don’t consider myself addicted to social media, but then most addicts would say that. As someone who’s aware of the much-publicized mental health risks of Facebook and co, I try to limit my use to brief check-ins throughout the day; just…