Study shows social media withdrawal can occur

2010-05-18 17:58:58 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - News, Social Media News)

Wired PR News reports a recent study suggests some who abstain from use of social media for long periods may suffer withdrawal symptoms.

A recent study suggests individuals may go through withdrawal symptoms from abstaining from social media for long periods.

Toronto (WiredPRNews.com) – A recent study suggests social media withdrawal symptoms may occur if an individual abstains from use for long periods of time. As reported by the Toronto Sun, University of Maryland researchers found that some people go through similar symptoms of withdrawal that may be linked to drug and alcohol addiction even after not using social media for as few as 24 hours.

Dr. Stuart Fischoff, a professor in media psychology at California State University in L.A, is quoted in the report as stating of the matter, “Everyone is a potential addict – they’re just waiting for their drug of choice to come along, whether heroin, running, junk food or social media. All those substances can be streetcars of desire…”

Fischoff further notes that “technology is a way to express our obsessions that are waiting in the wings to be expressed.” Social media is a whole new culture that has the power to validate us, provide a frenzy of friendships, followers and connections, so we feel important.”

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