In today’s world, where social media is instantly accessible and deeply embedded in daily life, concerns are growing around its potential impact on the social development of young people. According to a report from Medical News Today, the effects can be significant. With 63.9% of people using social media every day, for some it goes beyond casual scrolling dictating their whole lives.
Social media addiction is a type of behavioural addiction marked by the excessive and compulsive use of platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. It is characterised by an overwhelming urge to check notifications, scroll through feeds, and stay constantly connected, often at the expense of daily routines, personal relationships, and emotional well-being.
As social media becomes increasingly woven into the fabric of young people’s lives, the potential consequences of its overuse are becoming harder to ignore. In this blog, we explore how social media addiction can affect relationships in young people, examining the signs, and the psychological impact.
The harmful influence of online relationship ideals – modelling relationships.
Modelling relationships refers to the tendency, particularly among young people, to imitate the relationships they see portrayed online, whether through television, films, or social media platforms. When exposed to what appears to be a ‘perfect’ couple, individuals may mimic the couple’s behaviours, interests, and dynamics, rather than developing a unique and authentic bond with their own partner.
This phenomenon is especially common among teenagers, who may form unrealistic expectations about relationships by constantly comparing their own to the idealised versions presented on social media.
“I took only the most Instagrammable trips and dated only the most Instagrammable women. I spent my savings on an Instagrammable house and renovated it and decorated it just so.” ~ Sean Hotchkiss
Two examples of negative modelling are:
- People online can at times romanticise toxic and abusive relationships, portraying harmful behaviours, such as extreme jealousy, emotional manipulation, and even physical abuse, as signs of passion or love. This can make such traits seem desirable or normal within a relationship.
- Reports have shown that pornography websites can embed unrealistic (and sometimes violent) expectations about sexual relationships into the minds of young people.
These distorted portrayals can lead individuals to feel insecure in their own relationships, or to believe that their relationship is lacking if it doesn’t resemble the ones they see online.
Codependency in the age of social media.
It is no secret that platforms like Instagram and TikTok can spark insecurities in people, thanks to unrealistic beauty standards and the ever-present fear of cyberbullying. But the impact goes beyond just the individual; it can spill over into their relationships as well.
- People can become obsessed with what their partner is doing or viewing online. With everything so easily accessible (and just as easily hidden) social media can feed paranoia and mistrust. For someone who already struggles with low self-esteem due to what they see online, this can lead to unhealthy, obsessive behaviours in their relationship.
- External validation plays a huge role in how social media addiction and codependency work. The dopamine hit from getting likes or shares can be as powerful as a drug. And if those likes are coming from someone the person has a romantic interest in, that dopamine rush can be even stronger.
- Social media stalking only adds fuel to the fire of codependency, jumping from profile to profile, feeling connected to people you have never met, or worse, obsessively tracking the online activity of one or more individuals. In extreme cases, it can spiral into compulsive, invasive behaviour.
Isolation in a connected world.
For some, social media is a lifeline connecting them to others across the globe and serving as a powerful tool for communication. However, for many, it can have the opposite effect. Online platforms can lead to feelings of isolation in several subtle but significant ways:
- Reduced face to face communication.
Social media can begin to replace real-life interactions, which are essential for building deep, meaningful relationships. Face-to-face communication allows for non-verbal cues and emotional nuance; things that are often lost online. Over time, this shift can weaken the quality of connections and increase feelings of loneliness.
- Comparisons.
Social media is often used to showcase the highlights of someone’s life. For those scrolling through, seeing these curated moments can trigger feelings of inadequacy or failure, especially if their own life doesn’t seem to measure up. This comparison trap can erode self-worth and deepen emotional isolation.
- Online echo chambers.
Social media algorithms tend to show us content that aligns with our existing beliefs. While this might feel comfortable, it can also limit exposure to diverse viewpoints. Over time, this can narrow one’s perspective and make it harder to connect with others who see the world differently.
- Fleeting connections.
Although it is common to form new relationships on social platforms, many of these connections remain shallow. Without the depth and intimacy that comes from real-life interaction, people may find themselves surrounded by contacts; but still feel alone.
Symptoms of digital addiction.
It is easy to overlook the signs, but our online habits can quietly take control of our lives.
- Discomfort or restlessness when disconnected from the internet.
Feeling uneasy or anxious without internet access (even for a short period) can be a strong indicator of digital addiction. That sense of restlessness often mirrors withdrawal symptoms, showing just how deeply connected our sense of normal has become to constant online access.
- Checking social media first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
Reaching for your phone the moment you wake up or just before you go to sleep is a common sign of digital dependence. It can negatively impact your mental well-being, scatter your focus for the day ahead, and disrupt your sleep. The blue light emitted by screens also strains your eyes, especially in low light.
- Checking your socials while either walking, driving or talking.
As well as being incredibly dangerous (especially whilst walking or driving – around 25% of car accidents are attributed to phone-related distractions) scrolling through social media during everyday activities shows a struggle to stay present in the moment. This constant need for online engagement often comes at the cost of real-life interactions, suggesting that social media may be taking priority over more meaningful, in-person experiences.
- Feeling upset when you don’t receive likes, shares, or comments.
That low feeling when a post doesn’t get the attention you hoped for can be a sign of dependency. As mentioned earlier, this ties into the dopamine hit we get when others interact with our content, turning social media into a powerful source of validation.
- Preferring to talk to people online rather than face-to-face.
Choosing online chats over face-to-face conversations may signal that your digital habits are affecting your communication skills. With time, real-life interactions can start to feel awkward or uncomfortable, showing how social media is reshaping how we connect with others.
- Feeling the need to share everyday moments all the time.
Constantly posting the details of your daily life (whether to seem relatable or to show you are doing something original) can reveal just how central the internet has become in your day-to-day existence.
Addiction treatment centre in Spain.
Social media plays a complex role in adolescent development, offering both benefits and drawbacks. While it can be a valuable tool when used mindfully and in moderation, its misuse; particularly when it becomes obsessive; can lead to unhealthy habits and even addiction.
At our luxury rehabilitation centre on the beautiful island of Ibiza, we offer expert care in treating both substance use and behavioural addictions, including digital and social media dependency. Our highly qualified team is experienced in a wide range of evidence-based therapies to support individuals facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, reach out today, help and healing are closer than you think.
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