“In his Ted Talk, psychologist David Ellis handily dismisses the idea that technology itself is the problem. “I don’t think that the majority of people are addicted to their smartphone,” he says. “But one thing we are addicted to is social interaction.”
In other words, perhaps my social media anxiety wasn’t about likes or comments or clicks. Perhaps it was about the wealth of social information that is seemingly represented by clicks. Perhaps it was about the fact that, as a human, I evolved to pursue social connection and to avoid disconnection at all costs.
Social media offers a way for us to meet our needs as humans. And when those needs aren’t met — whether it’s support, affirmation or simply to feel like we aren’t alone — well, no matter the medium, that hurts.”
