It's no secret that we spend a lot of our time Tweeting, Facebooking and using other social networking sites. From photo sharing and over texting to the loss of workout time, we may be putting our mental and physical health at risk. And to give you a better understanding of this, our pals at Fix.com designed an infograph delineating Is social networking bad for your health?
According a recent study, nearly 7 in 10 of online adults use social networks. And the average social media user spends 23 hours a week emailing, chatting and using other forms of online communication that is nearly 14 percent of total time in a week.
In addition, 67 percent afraid they will miss something if they don't stay glued to their social networks, whie 38 percent aged 18 - 34 check their social networks when they wake up before they check their emails.
So does social media affect your mental health?
According to the University of Salford's study, 5 out of 10 respondents said using Facebook and Twitter makes their lives worse, their self-esteem suffers when they compare their own accomplishments to those of their online friends.
Plus, 66 percent claim that it's difficult to relax or sleep after spending time on social media, while 50 percent say, they feel "worried or uncomfortable" when they can't access Facebook or email.
So why social media so highly addictive?
The Harvard University answers that: during self-disclosure on social media, participants activated the Nucleus Accumbens - the region of the brain, which is important in the development of addictions - it lights up when someone takes cocaine or other drugs. Self-disclosed activates the part of the brain associated with the sensation of pleasure - the same pleasure that we get from receiving money or eating food.
So how can you maintain a balanced social media and healthy lifestyle? Get your answers and more in below infographic.
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| How Social Media Has Become an Addiction - infographic |