Social media addiction has become an increasing phenomenon in modern society. It has caused many people to lose sight of their day-to-day lives, as well as becoming an intruder of privacy and relationships. This essay will discuss the effects that social media addiction can have on each individual person and society as a whole.

To begin with, an individual can be easily addicted to social media. Constant over usage of these media outlets can cause people to lose sight of the present moment and their daily lives. They find themselves more involved in their virtual lives than their actual lives, which can lead to real world problems. For example, people may find themselves feeling lonely, if they do not get the same level of communication and stimulation online as they expect in the real world. They may also lack productivity in their lives, since they spend more time scrolling through their news feeds rather than working or doing other productive activities.

On the other hand, social media addiction can also affect society. People create an online presence in which they project a persona that might not be true. This can lead to self image issues in society, as people become fixated on the image others project rather than themselves. Additionally, social media can be a trigger for cyber bullying, which can have devastating effects on the emotional and psychological development of people.

Moreover, there are many physical effects of social media addiction. Constant use of handheld devices can lead to physical pain in the eyes and arms, as well as neck and shoulder pain. It can also have an effect on sleep patterns. People who use their phones or tablets late at night tend to be sleepy, as the blue light of the device is a stimulant for the brain and can cause insomnia, leading to a decrease in quality of sleep.

In conclusion, social media addiction can have a profound effect on both individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to decreased productivity and emotional states, as well as physical discomfort. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the consequences of social media addiction and to be mindful of their online behaviour in order to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health.