The survey participants displayed signs of addiction, with many admitting to being subconsciously drawn to using social media. University of Canterbury lecturer Knseniia Zarhai highlighted that the average user spends approximately 2.5 hours daily on social media, which accumulates to 37 days or over a month spent solely on these platforms each year.
For young people in New Zealand, the amount of time spent on social media is even higher, often reaching seven to eight hours per day. Some users reported spending more than 10 hours a day on social media, leading to negative consequences such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and distorted perceptions of oneself and others.
In addition to the mental health impacts, excessive social media use can also pose physical dangers, such as distracted driving. Participants shared stories of incidents where they almost got into accidents while checking their phones behind the wheel.
Zarhai explained that the impulse to check social media is often driven by our brain’s automatic response, making it challenging for users to curb their usage even when aware of the negative effects. To combat this, she recommended taking steps like turning off notifications, setting goals based on intentions rather than time limits, and engaging with valuable content to transition from mindless to mindful use of social media.
Some Wellington residents shared their experiences of spending hours on social media, admitting to the addictive nature of these platforms. One user mentioned deleting TikTok after realizing the excessive time spent scrolling, which resulted in a better experience. Others acknowledged the allure of social media, noting its impact on their ability to focus on other activities like reading.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the pervasive influence of social media on daily life and emphasizes the importance of mindful usage to mitigate potential negative effects.
