Have you ever grabbed your phone to check a calendar date or the weather and the next thing you know, you’re scrolling aimlessly on Instagram or TikTok? Social media apps have a way of sucking us in and keeping our attention for long periods. But at what point does it all go too far and the desire for likes and comments becomes a need?
Social media addiction is real — especially for teens and young adults.
A person can become addicted to that rush of receiving likes, going viral, or simply scrolling through meaningless videos. Interestingly, researchers have found that social media addiction can increase a person’s likelihood to engage in cyberbullying behaviors. In this article, we’ll discuss why that is, how one can develop a social media addiction, and what parents can do in response to this reality.
In This Article:
- What is Social Media Addiction?
- How is a Social Media Addiction Formed and Who is Most at Risk?
- How Does Social Media Addiction Lead to Cyberbullying?
- How Parents Should Respond To Cyberbullying Caused By Social Media Addiction
- When the Cybervictim Becomes the Cyberbully
What is Social Media Addiction?
While many of us habitually use social media, it generally does not cause significant psychological issues. However, for a small percentage of users, the use of social media becomes an addiction. Psychologists have found that somewhere between 5 to 10% of Americans suffer from social media addiction, a type of behavioral addiction. A social media addiction can be characterized by the intense and uncontrollable urge to use social media despite the negative consequences and disruptions it causes in their lives.
Social media addiction looks a lot like any other substance use disorder with six key characteristics:
- Mood modification. The user experiences an emotional boost or high after social media use.
- Salience. The user has a behavioral, emotional, and cognitive fixation with social media.
- Tolerance. The user must continually increase social media use over time to achieve the same ‘high.’
- Withdrawal symptoms. The user experiences both emotional and physical distress when social media use is diminished or removed.
- Conflict. Social media use causes interpersonal problems in the user’s life.
- Relapse. After an abstinence period, the user quickly reverts to excessive social media use.
If you’ve noticed any of the following behavioral issues from yourself or your child, it may be worth looking into getting support from a professional. Social media addiction can lead to several problems in a person’s life (i.e. cyberbullying), especially for young people who are still developing cognitively and learning emotional regulation.
How is a Social Media Addiction Formed and Who is Most at Risk?
Social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are designed to give users minor dopamine hits as they use the site. Receiving a like or a positive comment triggers the brain’s reward area and can make someone feel better when they are experiencing negative emotions. The brain then begins to associate that positive feeling with social media use, resulting in positive reinforcement of that behavior.
Additionally, researchers have found that the reward centers in the brain are most active when we are talking about ourselves. And what is the premise of most social media sites? It’s to share noteworthy moments in our lives. We talk about ourselves 80% of the time when we’re using social media compared to 30-40% in real life.
People who use social media as a coping mechanism when they experience depression, stress, or loneliness in their lives are most at risk for developing a social media addiction. Additionally, teens who struggle with social anxiety in real life may be more likely to engage in social media due to the ability to be anonymous and the absence of face-to-face interactions.
How Does Social Media Addiction Lead to Cyberbullying?
Several studies have shown a link between cyberbullying and the amount of time a user spends on the internet. The longer a person spends on the internet, the more likely they are to engage in cyberbullying behaviors. Cyberbullying can be defined as intentional, repeated, and aggressive behavior that occurs through some form of technology or online platform that causes harm to another person.
Several theories explain how social media addiction can lead to cyberbullying. In this article, we’ll discuss the social learning theory, problem behavior theory, and the online disinhibition effect.
Social Learning Theory
The social learning theory of behavior suggests that young people learn through observing and imitating others, usually an adult or someone they respect or look up to. Continued exposure to social platforms exposes adolescents to aggressive behavior.
They observe and learn from this behavior and begin to imitate it themselves online, perpetuating cyberbullying behaviors. They may also perceive that other users who engage in cyberbullying are somehow rewarded and seek the same reward for themselves.
Problem Behavior Theory
Problem behavior theory is used to explain adolescent problem behaviors (such as cyberbullying) and the impact of protective factors and risk factors. This theory suggests that adolescents use problem behaviors involving risky behaviors to gain acceptance and respect from their peers.
In the context of cyberbullying, teens who engage in aggressive behaviors online use them as a way to cope with stress, eliminate or reduce pressure, or signify gaining independence from family. A social media addiction makes it more likely for teens to engage in problematic behaviors online to gain the acceptance they seek.
Online Disinhibition Effect
The online disinhibition effect underscores the concerning phenomenon wherein repeated exposure to online aggression and bullying can gradually normalize such behavior among youth. The more a person uses social media, the more they become desensitized to the aggression they may witness. Over time, this normalization may heighten the propensity for engaging in cyberbullying or becoming a victim of it.
How Parents Should Respond To Cyberbullying Caused By Social Media Addiction
Parents confronted with cyberbullying stemming from their child’s social media addiction should take proactive steps to address this issue. First and foremost, parents need to engage with their children and foster open communication about their online experiences. Counselors play a vital role in reducing the risk of addictive behaviors at a young age by imparting emotional regulation skills and effective coping mechanisms to children.
As adolescents are still undergoing cognitive development, they may struggle to make sound choices when wielding technology with a global audience. Therefore, parents should actively involve themselves in guiding their children’s digital habits, ensuring they understand the consequences of their online actions and the potential risks associated with social media addiction.
Moreover, parents should collaborate with schools to combat cyberbullying and social media addiction. Schools can proactively educate students about these issues through awareness campaigns or support groups, empowering them to comprehend the gravity of their actions and prepare them for potential consequences.
By taking a holistic approach that combines parental involvement, counseling, and educational initiatives, parents can help their children navigate the digital world responsibly while curbing the adverse effects of social media addiction and cyberbullying.
When the Cybervictim Becomes the Cyberbully
In many cases, the cyberbully was once the cyber victim. Those who have been victims of cyberbullying are more likely to engage in cyberbullying behaviors. When social media addiction is at play, this occurrence becomes even more likely as teens continue to be exposed to online aggression.
If you notice your teen is spending an exceptional amount of time on social media and is exhibiting cyberbullying behaviors, it may be time to speak to them not only about proper behavior online, but also discuss where they learned their behavior and whether they have been victims of online harassment.
If you find that your child is a victim of severe online harassment, see if you can speak with their parents as well as your child’s school to discuss ways to stop the harassment. If you notice the problem is profound and your teen’s school is not doing enough to prevent this behavior, consider speaking with a lawyer.
Having an anti-cyberbullying attorney who is knowledgeable and passionate about every child feeling safe in school and online can help motivate the school district to take action. No child or parent should have to go it alone when fighting social media harassment, especially when complicated factors such as social media addiction are at play.
At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have the skills to support you and your child through this difficult and complicated time. To speak with someone today, call (312) 600-6000 for a FREE case review. Together, as a community, we can stop cyberbullying once and for all.
Chicago Wrongful Death FAQs
If you’re visiting this page, you may be dealing with an unimaginable loss. Since our founding in 2004, our firm has grown to over 30 attorneys who have been successfully helping clients with wrongful death claims since then. If you are in the unfortunate situation of needing to talk to a Chicago, IL wrongful death lawyer about a victim of cyber-bullying, social media addiction, or another personal injury law matter, we are here to help. Reach out to us 24/7 for a free case consultation.
Can I Bring A Wrongful Death Claim If A Cyber-Bullied Child Took Their Own Life?
Yes. When bullying—especially cyberbullying—leads to suicide, parents or legal guardians may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. These cases often focus on proving that schools, platforms, or other entities knew or should have known about the ongoing abuse and failed to take reasonable action. These claims can also involve evidence of the child’s distress, such as messages, complaints made to school staff, and online activity logs.
Do Schools Ever Get Held Liable For Cyberbullying Deaths?
Yes, there have been cases where school districts have been held responsible after failing to respond appropriately to repeated reports of bullying. If school officials were made aware—or should have been aware—of the behavior and did not act to prevent continued harm, they may be considered negligent. A strong claim typically includes documentation of reports made to the school and any lack of response or follow-up from staff or administrators.
Do Laws Exist Targeting Social Media Addiction Among Kids?
Yes. Several states, including California and New York, have introduced or passed laws aimed at limiting features that encourage excessive social media use by minors. These laws address algorithm-based feeds, screen time limitations, and data protections. While the federal government has not yet passed national legislation, growing awareness has led to increasing legal action targeting companies for harm caused by addictive app designs—especially when that harm leads to mental health issues or worse.
What Evidence Is Needed For A Bullying-Related Wrongful Death Claim?
A strong bullying-related wrongful death claim will typically involve school or authority reports, documented complaints, communications showing distress, witness accounts, and potentially expert evaluations of the victim’s mental health. The goal is to prove a direct link between the bullying and the suicide or death and to demonstrate that others had a duty to step in but did not. A Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help you determine what evidence is most important to gather and preserve early in the process.
What If The Bullying Took Place On Social Media Outside School Hours?
Bullying that happens online outside of school hours may still create liability—especially if it involves students, is persistent, and spills over into the school environment. Many schools have policies allowing them to discipline off-campus behavior if it disrupts the learning environment. If the school was aware of cyberbullying that affected a student’s well-being and failed to act, that inaction may still support a wrongful death claim.
Legal Help During A Difficult Time
Losing a child or loved one to bullying, suicide, or issues connected to social media is a tragedy no family should have to face alone. Our team is here to answer your questions with honesty and care. If you need a Chicago wrongful death lawyer from a firm that has been recognized as one of the most influential firms in America by the National Trial Lawyers Association, Disparti Law Group is here for you.
