Excessive social media use can lead to risky decision-making associated with drug and gambling addicts, according to a new study from Michigan State University.
About 71 participants were asked to take a survey about their Facebook use, including how they feel when the website is down or they are not able to access their social media page. Participants were also asked about the influence Facebook has on their job and education -- and about whether or not they've tried to quit social media, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Participants then took the Iowa Gambling Task, which measures decision-making. Those who use social media excessively exhibited the worst choices in the task. Those who use social media less, made better choices.
According to MSU researchers, those results were similar to those who abuse opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs.
“I believe that social media has tremendous benefits for individuals, but there’s also a dark side when people can’t pull themselves away,” said Dar Meshi, the study’s lead author and MSU professor. “We need to better understand this drive so we can determine if excessive social media use should be considered an addiction.”