As opening statements begin in the landmark case against Meta, the social media company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, we’re encouraged to see growing attention being placed on digital wellness and compulsive technology use. The trial is the latest in an avalanche of lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies including YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat, over arguments that their platforms harm young people, illegally collect their data and are deliberately designed to get them addicted to their platforms. According to the allegations, features such as infinite scrolling and push notifications can make it more difficult for users to disengage from social media platforms and harm users’ mental health in the process.

The Effects of Social Media Addiction

At RAC, we believe this conversation goes beyond social media — it is about digital wellness and recognizing when technology use becomes unhealthy or difficult to control. Online activities like social networking, gaming, shopping, or browsing impact brain reward systems similarly to substance addictions. Over time, compulsive internet behavior can crowd out real-life priorities, leading to depression and anxiety, isolation, and other types of emotional distress.

Clinical Director, Nadine Talley, MSW, LCSW, CTSS elaborates: “As humans, we are wired with drives for connection, belonging, and social approval. Social media can appear to offer a quick and convenient way to meet these needs, triggering rewarding dopamine responses that encourage repeated use. While these interactions may provide short-term satisfaction, they are often a poor substitute for meaningful, in-person relationships and the co-regulation that occurs through genuine human connection.”

For some people, social media overuse, online gaming, or constant digital distraction may interfere with:

  • Sleep
  • Academic and professional responsibilities
  • Family relationships
  • Physical activity
  • Emotional well-being
  • In-person social connections
  • Ability to disconnect from technology

If you fear that excessive social media or internet usage is creating conflict, disconnection, or emotional distress, it’s time to reach out. Our outpatient behavior addiction treatment center in Blackwood provides a safe and supportive space to explore the root causes of problematic internet use.

Nadine adds, “At the heart of our treatment approach is helping individuals build supportive, authentic relationships while developing healthier ways to meet emotional needs without the harmful consequences of addiction.”