Chapter 2 : Contemporary Challenges of Social Media
Dr. Alok Pawar
MSc Comp. Sci, MSc Comm. Physics,
MBA - MPhil (information Technology)
MA Economics, MCom, PhD
2.1 Social Media Addiction – Definition, Meaning, and Explanation
Definition
Social media addiction is a behavioral problem where a person spends excessive time on social media, feels unable to control its usage, and continues using it even when it causes negative effects on daily life.
Definitions by Various authors
Social media addiction is a strong and uncontrollable urge to use social media so frequently that it interferes with a person’s daily life, mood, and responsibilities.
Andreassen (2015)
Social media addiction is a behavioural addiction that involves excessive use of social networking sites, driven by mood modification, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, conflict, and relapse.
Griffiths (2012)
Social media addiction occurs when individuals become overly concerned with social media, spend too much time using it, and are unable to reduce their usage even when it causes problems in their lives.
Kuss & Griffiths (2011)
Social media addiction is a type of internet addiction where individuals use social platforms compulsively, leading to loss of control and negative effects on work, relationships, and health.
Young (1996 – Internet Addiction Theory applied to social media)
Social media addiction is the excessive and compulsive use of social networking sites driven by psychological needs such as belongingness, approval, and self-presentation.
Ryan, Chester, Reece & Xenos (2014)
2.1.1 Meaning
It means a person becomes dependent on apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or YouTube for entertainment, validation, or emotional comfort. They keep checking the phone repeatedly, scrolling for hours, and feel restless when they cannot use social media.
Causes of Social Media Addiction
- Unlimited access to internet and smartphones: Easy availability of smartphones and constant internet connectivity makes it possible to use social media anytime and anywhere, increasing the chances of excessive use.
- Notifications, likes, and comments creating excitement: Social media platforms send alerts that trigger excitement and reward feelings. Likes, comments, and shares create a sense of validation, making users return frequently.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): People feel anxious about missing updates, trends, or social events. This fear pushes them to check their social media repeatedly to stay updated.
- Stress, loneliness, or boredom: Many individuals use social media as an escape from emotional issues. When stressed or lonely, they turn to social platforms for comfort, distraction, or entertainment.
- Attractive content and endless scrolling features: Engaging content, videos, memes, and the “infinite scroll” design keep users hooked for long periods without realizing how much time has passed.
- Peer pressure: Friends or peer groups may expect constant online presence, likes, or replies. Wanting to fit in or be accepted encourages people to spend more time on social media.
2.1.3 Symptoms
Following are the symptoms of additions of social media addiction;
- Checking phone repeatedly
- Spending hours scrolling without purpose
- Ignoring studies, work, or sleep
- Feeling anxious if internet is off
- Reduced interest in real-life activities
- Difficulty controlling usage
2.1.4 Effects / Consequences
Following are the effects or consequences of social media addiction
- Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, stress, depression, and low confidence.
- Reduced Productivity: Less focus on studies, job, or personal goals.
- Sleep Problems: Late-night scrolling disturbs sleep cycle.
- Physical Health Issues: Eye strain, headaches, neck pain, lack of exercise.
- Social Problems: Less face-to-face interaction, relationship issues.
2.1.5 Ways to Control Social Media Addiction
Following are the ways by which one control the social media addiction
- Set time limits on mobile apps
- Turn off unnecessary notifications
- Keep phone away while studying or sleeping
- Engage in hobbies, sports, and real-life activities
- Use digital well-being tools
- Fix “No social media hours” daily
2.1.6 Real Examples of Social Media Addition
1. Pune: 17-year-old hospitalized due to gaming and mobile addiction: A 17-year-old boy from Pune had to undergo counselling and medical treatment after severe addiction to online gaming and social media caused behavioural issues and sleep disturbance. Source: Times of India (TOI), Pune Edition, 2022.
2. Mumbai: Teen girl addicted to Instagram attempted self-harm after losing followers: A Mumbai-based schoolgirl developed emotional distress and self-esteem issues due to social media addiction, leading to self-harm behaviour. Source: Hindustan Times, Mumbai, 2021.
3. Nagpur: Boy treated at IGGMCH for video game addiction: Doctors at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital treated a 13-year-old who spent 8–10 hours daily on online games and social media. Source: The Indian Express, Nagpur, 2022.
4. Nashik: Student became aggressive when parents restricted phone use: A Class 10 student in Nashik showed withdrawal symptoms—anger, anxiety, and sleeplessness—after parents reduced phone hours due to excessive Instagram and gaming usage. Source: Lokmat News, Nashik Edition, 2023.
5. Thane: Boy stole money to recharge mobile data for gaming & YouTube: A 14-year-old from Thane was caught stealing household money multiple times to recharge his phone data pack due to addiction to social media and gaming. Source: Mid-Day, Thane Edition, 2020.
Case Description (Based on a Real Incident – Maharashtra, 2017):
Psychological Impact and Risk Behaviours Caused by Blue Whale Game Addiction in Adolescents
Background: The Blue Whale Challenge was an online suicide-provoking game that circulated through hidden social media groups around 2016–2017. It targeted teenagers using psychological manipulation, fear, and secret tasks. Several worrying incidents were reported in India, including Maharashtra
A well-reported case from Mumbai in 2017 involved a 14-year-old schoolboy who became addicted to the dangerous Blue Whale Challenge after receiving a link through social media. Over several weeks, he began behaving secretively, staying awake late to complete the game’s harmful “tasks,” and showing unexplained injuries on his arm. His friends noticed the changes and informed teachers, and he was eventually found on the terrace of a seven-storey building preparing to perform one of the final tasks. Police and school authorities intervened in time, and the boy was admitted for counselling, where experts confirmed that emotional vulnerability, online pressure, and unrestricted smartphone access pushed him into the game. With psychological support and parental involvement, he recovered. This case was widely covered in newspapers such as the Hindustan Times and Times of India, highlighting the severe risks of online game addiction among
2.2 Social Media: Impact on Mental and Physical Health
Social media gives two types of impact on the human body i.e. impact on mental health and another is physical health. This section gives brief overview of both impacts.
2.2.1 Impact on Mental Health
- Anxiety and Stress: Constant notifications, online pressure, and comparison with others create stress and anxiety.
- Depression: Negative comments, cyberbullying, or feelings of loneliness can lead to sadness and depressive thoughts.
- Low Self-Esteem: Seeing others’ perfect photos and achievements leads to comparison, making users feel inferior.
- Addiction: Endless scrolling and likes create dependency, affecting daily life and emotional balance.
- Sleep Disturbances: Using the phone late at night reduces sleep quality due to blue light and overthinking.
- FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Users feel pressured to stay constantly updated, increasing mental tension.
2.2.2 Impact on Physical Health
- Eye Strain: Long screen time causes dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and “digital eye strain.”
- Neck and Back Pain: Constant looking down at the phone (text-neck) causes posture problems.
- Obesity and Lack of Exercise: More sitting and less physical activity lead to weight gain and reduced fitness.
- Sleep Problems: Blue light from screens reduces melatonin, causing insomnia and irregular sleep cycles.
- Headaches and Fatigue: Continuous screen exposure causes tiredness, body pain, and headaches.
- Poor Eating Habits: People often skip meals or eat junk food while scrolling for long periods.
2.3 Social Media and Inequalities
Social media has the power to connect people globally, but it also reflects and sometimes increases existing social inequalities. These inequalities appear in access to technology, online participation, and how different groups are represented.
1. Digital Divide and Access Issues
a) Economic Divide: People from poor backgrounds often cannot afford smartphones, laptops, or fast internet. This limits their ability to access online education, jobs, and digital content.
b) Urban–Rural Divide: Urban areas have better network coverage and digital literacy.
Rural populations face weak internet, lack of digital training, and fewer online opportunities
c) Educational Divide: People with higher education use social media for knowledge, jobs, and networking. Low-literate users struggle to identify fake news, scams, or misuse.
d) Age Divide: Young people use digital platforms comfortably. Older people find it difficult due to lack of training and confidence.
e) Disability Access: Many platforms are not fully accessible for visually or hearing-impaired users. Lack of inclusive design creates digital barriers.
2. Inequalities on Social Media
A. Race / Ethnicity:
- Some racial groups face stereotypes, racial slurs, or hate speech on social platforms.
- Algorithms sometimes promote content that reinforces racial bias.
- Minority groups often get less positive visibility compared to dominant communities.
B. Caste (Especially in Indian Context) :
- Caste-based trolling, insults, and discrimination appear in comment sections.
- Dalit, Adivasi, and minority voices face online harassment.
- Social media influencers from lower castes receive less recognition and more hate.
- Caste pride pages can spread prejudice instead of equality.
C. Gender
- Women face online harassment, sexism, body-shaming, and stalking.
- Female journalists, activists, and politicians often receive abusive messages.
- Representation of women is sometimes sexualized or based on stereotypes.
- Gender inequality appears in: fewer women in tech/digital professions
- male-dominated online discussions
- lack of visibility for women's achievements
D. Sexuality (LGBTQ+ Representation)
- Social media provides a platform for LGBTQ+ communities to express themselves.
- But they also face:
- homophobia and hate speech
- misgendering
- lack of algorithmic support for queer content
- Positive representation exists, but acceptance varies across regions.
3. How Social Media Contributes to Inequality
- Algorithmic Bias: Platforms may promote content of popular groups and hide minority voices.
- Echo Chambers: People only see content from their own community, strengthening prejudice.
- Online Abuse: Marginalized groups face more harassment, which reduces their participation.
- Lack of Regulation: Hate speech and fake profiles target specific communities, increasing inequality.
4. Positive Side – Social Media Reducing Inequalities
- Creates awareness about racism, caste discrimination, gender rights, LGBTQ+ rights.
- Helps minority communities share their experiences.
- Promotes activism, campaigns (#MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, Dalit rights).
- Offers educational and employment opportunities to all users.
- What is online abuse and how does it affect marginalized groups?
- How do fake profiles increase inequality on social media?
- State two positive ways social media helps reduce inequalities.
- What role does social media play in creating awareness about discrimination?
- How does social media support minority communities?
- Explain how online abuse leads to reduced participation of marginalized communities.
- Discuss the impact of lack of regulation on hate speech and targeted harassment.
- Describe how social media promotes social equality through awareness campaigns.
- Explain four ways social media empowers marginalized groups and reduces inequalities.
- Evaluate the role of social media in supporting educational and employment opportunities for all.
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