Are you really addicted to Facebook?
Thirteen years after launching and less than five years after hitting 1 billion, Facebook now has 2 billion monthly active users. Facebook continues to lead the way in the world of social media, dwarfing the likes of Twitter and Instagram.
Social media is regarded as the latest trend that can easily turn into an addiction. In fact, it is estimated that over 40% of Facebook users find themselves addicted in some way or another to this popular social media site.
If you have an addiction, you're not alone. According to the charity Action on Addiction, one in three of us are addicted to something.
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and nicotine, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything
So we ask, are you addicted to Facebook, and if so, how can you tell? So, in no particular order, here are five key signs that show you are definitely addicted to Facebook...
1. You are checking your Facebook regularly
This kinda goes without saying, like with any addiction, we become hooked when we continually go back to something, be it a cigarette, a drink, or in this case, a social media site. If you feel the need to constantly check your Facebook, then it's pretty obvious you are an addict.
2. You are constantly posting
If you are posting status updates every single hour, then there is no question you have an addiction problem. When addicted to something, we often overuse it in an attempt to stimulate our needs. If you are a prolific Facebook user, then maybe it's time to asses the situation before it really gets out of hand.
3. You 'appear' inactive
It's not just the prolific posters who are addicted to Facebook - A recent study showed that the people who are actually most addicted to social media are the ones who appear to use it the least. These are the cynical types that tend to 'spy' on Facebook quite regularly, but rarely comment or post an update of their own.
4. You can't leave!
It's quite simple really - if you can't close your Facebook account and then leave it closed, you are addicted. On average, less than 5% of people who shut their account down keep it shut. 95% of people find themselves back on it again, and the majority of these people are back on it within a few days of shutting it down.
5. It's the first thing you check in the morning
If you are checking Facebook before anything else, then you are most definitely addicted. An addiction is often highlighted by the constant need to stimulate an interest or feeling, and so checking your Facebook at the first and last possible moment really does demonstrate a clear addiction.
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