The like-addicts: depending on fame in 21st century adolescence
Part of the success that explains the popularity of social networks like Facebook or Instagram lies in how easy they are to use.. Its operation is simple, and once inside, it's not difficult to know what to do at all times just by moving (literally) a finger.
Unfortunately, that very simplicity of use constitutes a potentially harmful usage mechanic for many adolescents, an age group especially vulnerable to "the charms" of this kind of environment virtual.
And it is that if people as prone to distractions and immediacy as young people have learned to use social networks, It is because these digital platforms are capable of constantly promising them the satisfaction of various of their needs. basic. ANDThis leads us to talk about like-addicts: what they are, how they are made, and what can be done to manage this problem.
- Related article: "The 3 stages of adolescence"
The causes of the dependence on the "like" in social networks
Two of the most important characteristics of adolescent psychology are the following:
search for experiences beyond the family sphere, and search for acceptance by a reference group (adolescents of the same age and slightly older than oneself).These sources of motivation for the average teenager tend to make many parents uncomfortable, and Of course, sometimes they don't fit too well with the values and priorities of the parents. However, they are still part of the normal development of young people.
The normal thing is that the desire to achieve popularity does not become a problem or an obsession. But the reality is that, in order to get the fame and attention they long for, some young people will be able to expose themselves to risk situations (even for his life) or over-expose his intimate life, becoming obsessed with the objective that they chase: recognition and popularity, all this translated into likes. And the more, the better.
This adolescent mentality can also make young people more prone to certain undesirable habits. Specific, the uncontrolled use of social networks such as Facebook or Instagram can make them "hook" to their smartphones and computers. The reason? These digital platforms allow them to constantly enter a dynamic in which those two needs that we have mentioned above are quickly satisfied. That is why many boys and girls can end up developing an addiction to mobile devices (nomophobia) and a severe addiction to likes (like-addicts).
The search for new experiences
On the one hand, social networks give the opportunity to be creating content continuously, almost without interruption: write statuses, upload photos, share videos... One type of content that these digital platforms try to prioritize is that which is created by users, that talks about the person. Instagram Stories, photos in which one can be tagged, personal reflections...
The companies that manage these platforms put the focus on original personal content, created by users, fleeing from institutional content.
In this way, a context is created in which adolescents have an excuse to show themselves in different situations and share them on the Internet through photos, videos, messages, etc. Even those actions that at other times might seem ridiculous are justified by the fact that they are seen by many people who become potential sources of "likes". And this brings us to the next point.
The search for acceptance
As we have seen, social networks give reasons for publishing content that talks about oneself, and this makes experiencing new experiences more even more exhilarating: you can get more out of exploring a ruin, climbing an abandoned building, going on vacation to an exotic location, or even brand new clothes. And this is linked to the other great source of motivation for adolescents: the search for acceptance and respect from other young people.
Here it is important to note the following: the young people the adolescent wants to feel accepted by are not the members of her group of friends, but many other people, even strangers, or other teenagers in higher grades who have never heard of him.
This logic adapts very well to what social networks offer: the possibility of generating content with a potentially unlimited reach. Done right, a home video can go viral, reaching hundreds of thousands of people in a matter of hours. The scope of this content depends, in large part, on the number of times said content is shared, and the "likes" that others give to that video, photo or message.
Thus, social networks offer the chance to become famous with virtually no need to leave your couch, without first having to submit to the scrutiny of other people more popular than oneself, and even without depending on the collaboration of friends.
- You may be interested in: "Rebelliousness in adolescence: why it appears and what to do"
The result: the like-addicts
A social network is a place where original content is consumed and shared and where what is personal and surprising is rewarded. In return, he offers himself fame and a lifestyle based on constantly trying new things. All this, working in real time, at the click of a button and without waiting.
The result of this goes beyond a constant use of social networks to see what others have published. Many teenagers around the world already fantasize about achieving fame in the virtual world. Getting popularity, money and recognition thanks to social networks has already become one of his main desires.
In fact, there are already studies that suggest that in the adolescent population there is a direct relationship between the obsessive use of social networks and a greater chance of developing depression. That is why it is important to supervise the parents and pay attention to observe how the children use their social networks.
How to manage this problem?
It is clear that for many families this dynamic of the use of social networks by adolescent sons and daughters becomes a problem. Here we will see some recommendations on how to deal with this.
1. Improve risk education
Exposing yourself on social media carries many risks for teens. You have to make sure they know them and keep them in mind, although without alarming them by exaggerating so that they do not become obsessed with dangers that do not exist.
2. Better education in values
It is important that parents, teachers and guardians make young people understand that the most important thing in life is not just being at the top of the social hierarchy by the number of followers on Facebook or Instagram, and show them that there are other criteria by which they may be inspired.
Reinforce the positive values that underlie friendship, companionship, curiosity to learn... All of this can also help to look for inspiring examples, especially from people in your age group, people with whom you can easily identify.
3. If necessary, limit access to social networks
In cases where the use of social networks is very excessive, a schedule can be set in which the adolescent can access these. However, it must be done by avoiding confrontation and explaining very well the reason for the measure.
In any case, totally forbidding access is a bad idea, not least because this could lead the adolescent to social isolation, especially if we take into account that practically all young people their age socialize through these platforms.
The need to seek professional help
In some cases, need to go to psychotherapy.
Addictions go beyond the consumption of substances, and in fact can arise from behaviors that are totally within the law. The dependency goes beyond the intake of substances, since in the end the addictive action ends up prioritizing before everything else. A harmful habit that disrupts the person's psyche and life, absorbing his attention completely.
In the case of young people who need to constantly check their social networks, the problem is not considered a recognized psychiatric disorder in diagnostic manuals. used by mental health professionals (as occurs, for example, with drug addiction), but it can constitute a problem, and it is advisable to go to psychological therapy.
The key to this is not to stay on the superficial: Beyond the apparent addiction to social networks, there are specific psychological mechanisms that are being exploited by these digital platforms. For this reason, to understand what happens to those adolescents who can't get away from the screen, you have to understand why like-addicts arise, and act accordingly by seeking professional help among psychologists.