Social Media Reels Addiction : The craze of TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts is on everyone's mind these days. These short videos give happiness for a short time but later they become a dangerous addiction, which can badly affect health.

Watching these reels, which range from 15 seconds to 1 minute, releases the pleasure-giving hormone dopamine, which makes us addicted to them. But do you know that this addiction can be related to your childhood? According to a study published in Computers in Human Behavior, this type of addiction points to bad childhood experiences. 

what does the study say

Researchers surveyed Chinese university students and found that if someone's childhood is full of bad memories, then they are at a higher risk of getting addicted to these short videos. This can also cause many problems for them. Bad memories of childhood can include incidents like mental or physical abuse, neglect, family problems, violence against a loved one. These videos are watched initially to distract from this, which later becomes a complete addiction.

Video addiction to ignore problems

Among the participants in this study, those college students who are satisfied with their lives despite childhood problems were not addicted to shorts videos. Researchers found that people who are not satisfied in life were more addicted to TikTok and Instagram reels. These short-form videos gave them a way to get away from problems. Whenever something triggered them at home, they started watching shorts and reels to deal with it, which increased their dependence, which later became an addiction. 

Impact of shorts reels on mental health

Social media addiction can have a profound effect on mental health. This can increase the problem of stress and depression. Apart from this, many types of mental problems can occur due to social media videos. This can cause serious damage to the brain.

How to Avoid Social Media Addiction 

1. Fix a time for videos, reels or social media.

2. Remove social media apps from your phone or use them as little as possible.

3. Find an alternative to social media, like reading, writing, yoga or any sport.

4. Spend more time with family and friends

5. Understand the side effects of social media.

6. Focus your attention on achieving your goals.

7. Adopt a healthy lifestyle.