The 140 Character Fix: Twitter Addiction Explained [Infographic]

A few years back, we didn’t even know what social media addiction was. I mean, the phrase and the meaning of it didn’t even exist until Facebook made a huge impact on our society. There are a lot of people out there who are addicted to Facebook, but they are either unaware of it or would never admit to it. It so happens that people spend so much time on that giant of a social networking service that they sometimes lose out on reality. That includes work, real life interaction and even sleep. It’s an addiction that becomes a threat to your health and lifestyle from a long term perspective. It’s not immediate, and it doesn’t really tell you when it has sunk its claws into you since it is a slow increasing addiction.

Studies show that Twitter is actually as addicting as Facebook. Twitter, in many cases, when the addiction has caught a hold on you, is actually more addicting than cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, sleep and even sex. Yes, that is right. This is according to data collected and presented by Online Schools. They put together an infographic called The 140 Character Fix, which explains in an in-depth way the Twitter addiction and what you have to deal with if you find yourself in the center of it.

The fact that over 50% of all Twitter users log in every day is a testament to yet another giant social networking service taking over our lives. No longer is it just Facebook that is to be held responsible for mental stress and the urge to always be available. Twitter has now entered a new stage where it has become an every day occurrence in millions of people’s lives. That is something that will ensure Twitter a long and successful presence online, but at what cost? I keep asking myself that question. The health of its users? Are we ever going to see a recommendation from either Facebook or Twitter that says updating your status in moderation is preferred as to not cause stress and possible physical deterioration? With the pace that the government is starting to regulate things like the gaming industry and whatnot, I sadly don’t think it is too far off.