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As a people watcher, I saw my own wife and kid go through this. The best way I can think to describe it is that humans are social creatures, so socialization m

As a people watcher, I saw my own wife and kid go through this. The best way I can think to describe it is that humans are social creatures, so socialization makes us happy. And we used to do it a few times a day/week/month. Then came social media, and it was pseudo socialization all the time. And at first it's pure ecstasy. But then you get used to it as the new normal, and without it feel empty like you need it. More and more. It sounds like I'm describing a drug, and honestly, for most it seems to behave similarly and should be treated as such. It's hard to regulate or argue because on paper, it's harmless. So I have no idea what the solution could ever possibly be other than intervention or introspection. (in full transparency, I went through this as well, but it's not easy to see when it's happening to yourself.)

tsunamifury 3y ago
I think for me the surprising thing is that it’s not like a drug in that there isn’t negative withdrawal. Spend a day hiking or with friends at a party or traveling and I don’t get social media withdrawal and in fact I feel better. That’s a lot different than cigarettes or heroine. Which is good because it means there is hope to break the habit.
- silisili 3y ago
  You're right, but I think age has something to do with it. When I was young I couldn't stand to be bored. And any second not doing something I was bored. As I got older, I realized I can just stare at the wall for an hour thinking about something and never really feel bored. The wife and I got out of it by doing just as you said, going out everyday walking around for hours. Didn't work on the kid. That was broken with brute force internet control, that she continues to try to find ways around.
  - blackoil 3y ago
    > she continues to try to find ways around. If you are forcing a rule without right alternatives, you'll have to fill that time with something. If you leave them, they'll take easiest option i.e. social media not very diff. from what I am doing on HN. If they are mid-late teens maybe you just need to provide them the right resources but anyone younger, you should find activities to fill that time.
    - silisili 3y ago
      Ah you're right, but it's that odd tween age where I'm the most uncool person ever. Working though it.
- herbst 3y ago
  You are absolutely right. Once you decide to give social media less room in your life on the next day you already have more time. While quitting common drugs like smoking the withdrawal only really begins at this point. However that was working for me, social media never being deeply part of me growing up. I suspect this gets only harder for the next generations
  - tsunamifury 3y ago
    This highlights the actual reason social media is addicting -- ITS CHEAP. Going out with friends, driving to a hiking spot, joining a sport are expensive things compared to free social media drugs. This is the real issue.

tsunamifury 3y ago

I think for me the surprising thing is that it’s not like a drug in that there isn’t negative withdrawal. Spend a day hiking or with friends at a party or traveling and I don’t get social media withdrawal and in fact I feel better. That’s a lot different than cigarettes or heroine. Which is good because it means there is hope to break the habit.

silisili 3y ago
You're right, but I think age has something to do with it. When I was young I couldn't stand to be bored. And any second not doing something I was bored. As I got older, I realized I can just stare at the wall for an hour thinking about something and never really feel bored. The wife and I got out of it by doing just as you said, going out everyday walking around for hours. Didn't work on the kid. That was broken with brute force internet control, that she continues to try to find ways around.
- blackoil 3y ago
  > she continues to try to find ways around. If you are forcing a rule without right alternatives, you'll have to fill that time with something. If you leave them, they'll take easiest option i.e. social media not very diff. from what I am doing on HN. If they are mid-late teens maybe you just need to provide them the right resources but anyone younger, you should find activities to fill that time.
  - silisili 3y ago
    Ah you're right, but it's that odd tween age where I'm the most uncool person ever. Working though it.
herbst 3y ago
You are absolutely right. Once you decide to give social media less room in your life on the next day you already have more time. While quitting common drugs like smoking the withdrawal only really begins at this point. However that was working for me, social media never being deeply part of me growing up. I suspect this gets only harder for the next generations
- tsunamifury 3y ago
  This highlights the actual reason social media is addicting -- ITS CHEAP. Going out with friends, driving to a hiking spot, joining a sport are expensive things compared to free social media drugs. This is the real issue.