In partial fulfillment

for the requirements in

_________________________________________

(Subject)

Submitted by: Daniel Ann B. Bacones

Submitted to:

Date Submitted: August 29, 2018

Title:

Social Media Addiction

Objectives:

At the end of the study, readers should be able to:

 Help in the prevention of social media addiction.

 Provide the readers additional information regarding the signs and symptoms of
social media addiction.
 Assist those persons who experiences social media addiction on how they can
handle their addiction on social media applications and sites.
 Provide the readers the effects as well as the causes of the so called social
media addiction. And also;
 Help in improving the treatment as well as the alternative ways on how they can
overcome social media addiction.

Introduction:

Do you use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, Reddit

or the likes? If your answer is a “yes”, then probably you know what social media is and
there is a high chance that you are addicted to one of them. There is absolutely no
problem and nothing wrong with using social media. Some people use it to check
updates from their friends and to stay connected. Some people use it for entertainment
and to kill time.

The problem comes when someone becomes addicted to social media and
overspends their time on those said platforms; and as a result, their bad habit seriously
affects their lives in a negative way, and this is obviously something that you want to
avoid.

Let’s take Facebook as an example. Facebook is the biggest social media and is
used by most people in the world. It has more or less 1.13 billion daily active users and
if it represents a country, it will be the most populated country in the world.

More importantly, Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg said that on average,

people would spend about 50 minutes a day on Facebook, Instagram, and also the
messenger platform. Well, 50 minutes a day does not sound like much. However, you
should understand that there are only 24 hours a day, and an average person sleeps
about 8 hours, and this means that one-sixteenth of an average person’s waking time is
spent on Facebook. Spending 50 minutes a day on Facebook will accumulate and
become an extremely time-consuming activity that will eat up most of your life.

Do you know that studies have shown that people read only about 19 minutes a
day on average and most people spend only about 17 minutes in sports or exercise
each day? It is unacceptable to see people spend more time on Facebook than they do
on exercise and reading for improvement.

And this is one of the main concerns and also the reasons social media addiction
has quickly becoming a hot topic lately. If you overspend your time on social media like
on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you may have become a social media addict; it is
just that you did not know about it.
What is Social Media Addiction?

Social media addiction is a term that is often used to refer to someone who
spends too much time on social media like Facebook and Twitter or other forms of
social media. As a result, it affects the person’s daily life.

Although there is no official medical recognition on social media addiction as a

disease, the negative habit of excessive use of social media has become a subject of
much discussion and research.

Addiction simply means a compulsive behavior that leads to negative effects.

And in this case, social media addiction is referring to someone who has a compulsive
use of social media. For example, people who constantly check updates on Facebook
or “stalking” other people for hours.

10 Common Signs that you are a Social Media Addict:

1. Social media is the first thing you do in the morning.

2. You waste your time looking at nonsense and procrastinate.

3. You checked in everywhere you go.

4. You check notifications all the time.

5. You only want to contact and talk to your friends via social media.

6. You constantly monitor the “likes” and “shares” you receive.

7. Craving for internet connection.

8. You take photos of almost everything.

 9. Social media becomes part of your life.

10. Checking social media is the first thing you do whenever you are free.

3 Mental Symptoms of Social Media Addiction:

1. Experiencing Less Satisfaction and Hence, Less Happiness.

2. It Can Promote Jealousy.

3. It Raises Your Anxiety Level and Affects Your Overall Well-being.

How Social Media Addiction Affects Your Life:

Social media has grown and become a big part of our daily life these days.
People just cannot ignore the power of social media today. Even big companies are
utilizing the power of social media to create their marketing channel to influence their
audience.

The problem is that without control, social media can overtake and control your
life rather than you control them. Most people underestimated how social media can
influence and affect their lives until it is too late to notice the effect and to change.

Take marriage as an example, according to a survey done by 2,000 married

Britons conducted by a law firm in the UK, one in seven married people said they would
consider divorce because of how their partners were behaving on social media like
Facebook, Snapchat, Skype, Twitter, and Whatsapp.
 Besides, the survey also found that as high as 25% of the married couples had at
least an argument with their partners on a weekly basis and the issue was related to
social media usage.

Recommendations:

If you think that you spend too much of your precious time on social media or
perhaps you are addicted to it, not to worry because there are ways to get rid of the bad
behavioral issue.

Like all other illnesses and problems, there are cures and solutions to social
media addiction. The key is to have the commitment to follow through some of the
suggested steps below and make social media a tool that you can control rather than let
it control your life:

1. Get Rid of Notifications

2. Limit Your Time Spent On Social Media

3. Delete the Apps

4. Make Yourself Busy

5. Restrict Your Time Spent on Social Media Through Apps

6. Create Your Own Reward System

7. Disconnect and Unplug Yourself

8. Never Bring Your Smartphone Into Your Bedroom

9. Get An Accountability Partner

10. Do a Self-reflection Every Week

Conclusion:

Finally, please understand technology is there to help us move forward; it is not

created to waste our time and make us less productive.

Social media can be a great way to connect with people, but you must not
neglect the importance of physical communication with others too. Never let these
online social platforms take away your precious time or control your life, you should be
the one that controls them as a tool.

If you found yourself spending too much time on social media and are addicted to
it, follow the advice above, get rid of the disorder and gain back the control over your
life.

Sources and References:

 http://www.thewisdompost.com/essay/addiction/social-media-addiction/social-
media-addiction-meaning-symptoms-causes-effects-treatment/1293
 lifewire.com/what-is-social-networking-addiction-2655246
 blog.hootsuite.com/facebook-statistics/
 nytimes.com/2016/05/06/business/facebook-bends-the-rules-of-audience-
engagement-to-its-advantage.html
 metro.co.uk/2016/05/19/10-signs-youre-addicted-to-social-media-5813226/
 clearrecoverycenter.com/7-signs-your-teen-is-addicted-to-social-media/
 In partial fulfillment

for the requirements in

_________________________________________

(Subject)

Submitted by: Gemalyn Baldelomar

Submitted to:

Date Submitted: August 29, 2018

Title:

Teenage Depression

Objectives:

At the end of the study, readers should be able to:

 Help preventing depression not just on teens but as well as for all ages.
 Provide the readers additional information regarding the signs and symptoms of
depression.
 Assist those persons who experiences or show signs of depression on how they
can handle it.
 Provide the readers the effects as well as the causes of the so called depression
and anxiety attacks.
 Determine whether a person is experiencing depression or anxiety. And also;
 Help in improving the treatment as well as the alternative ways on how they can
overcome depression.

Introduction:

Teenagers experience depression in a manner very similar to adults, but they

may experience their emotions more intensely and with greater volatility. Feeling down
about a relationship issue or an upcoming exam is normal. Feeling down for months at
a time for no particular reason, however, may be a sign of undiagnosed depression.

Teen depression is a serious issue, but can be helped when you know the
symptoms. Though the term “depression” can describe a normal human emotion, it also
can refer to a mental disorder. Depressive illness in teenagers is defined when the
feelings of depression persist and interfere with the teen’s ability to function.
 Depression is fairly common in teens and younger children. About 5 percent of
children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given
point in time. Teens under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional,
learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Teenage girls
are at especially high risk, as are minority youth.

Depressed youth often have problems at home. In many cases, the parents are
depressed, as depression tends to run in families. Over the past 50 years, depression
has become more common and is now recognized at increasingly younger ages. As the
rate of depression rises, so does the teen suicide rate.

It is important to remember that the behavior of depressed children and

teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults. The characteristics vary,
with most children and teens having additional psychiatric disorders, such as behavior
disorders or substance abuse problems.

Depression in Teens:

It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the
dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical,
emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life.

Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of

rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at
home, teens often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that things
"never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To make matters worse,
teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends and society.
Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer — both good and bad — on television,
at school, in magazines and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the
threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs.

Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and
physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to
function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder
that needs attention — adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action.

What is depression and what can I do about it?

Sadness, feeling down, having a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities -

these are symptoms familiar to all of us. But, if they persist and affect our life
substantially, it may be depression.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.6 percent
of people over the age of 12 have depression in any 2-week period. This is substantial
and shows the scale of the issue.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the most

common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability. They estimate that 350
million people are affected by depression, globally.

Recognizing Adolescent Depression:

Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent surveys indicate

that as many as one in five teens suffers from clinical depression. This is a serious
problem that calls for prompt, appropriate treatment. Depression can take several
forms, including bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression), which is a condition
that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.

Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect

teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their
feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not
seek help.

Types of Depression:
 Unipolar and Bipolar depression
If the predominant feature is a depressed mood, it is called unipolar
depression. However, if it is characterized by both manic and depressive
episodes separated by periods of normal mood, it is referred to as bipolar
disorder (previously called manic depression).

Unipolar depression can involve anxiety and other symptoms - but no

manic episodes. However, research shows that for around 40 percent of the
time, individuals with bipolar disorder are depressed, making the two conditions
difficult to distinguish.

 Major depressive disorder with psychotic features:

This condition is characterized by depression accompanied by psychosis.
Psychosis can involve delusions - false beliefs and detachment from reality, or
hallucinations - sensing things that do not exist.

 Postpartum depression
Women often experience "baby blues" with a newborn, but postpartum
depression - also known as postnatal depression - is more severe.
  Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern
Previously called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this condition is
related to the reduced daylight of winter - the depression occurs during this
season but lifts for the rest of the year and in response to light therapy.

Countries with long or severe winters seem to be affected more by this condition.

Signs and Symptoms:

These symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than
two weeks:

 Poor performance in school

 Withdrawal from friends and activities
 Sadness and hopelessness
 Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
 Anger and rage
 Overreaction to criticism
 Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
 Poor self-esteem or guilt
 Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
 Restlessness and agitation
 Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
 Substance abuse
 Problems with authority
 Suicidal thoughts or actions
 Sad man holding his hands
 Reduced interest in pleasurable activities and lower mood
 Depressed mood
 Reduced interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, loss of sexual
desire
 Unintentional weight loss (without dieting) or low appetite
 Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
 Psychomotor agitation, for example, restlessness, pacing up and down
 Delayed psychomotor skills, for example, slowed movement and speech
 Fatigue or loss of energy
 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
 Impaired ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions
 Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or attempt at suicide
 Genetic symptoms:
o Biological - changes in neurotransmitter levels
o Environmental
o Psychological and social (psychosocial)
 Some people are at higher risk of depression than others; risk factors include:
o Life events: These include bereavement, divorce, work issues,
relationships with friends and family, financial problems, medical
concerns, or acute stress.
o Personality: Those with less successful coping strategies, or previous life
trauma are more suceptible.
o Genetic factors: Having a first-degree relatives with depression increases
the risk.
o Childhood trauma.
o Some prescription drugs: These include corticosteroids, some beta-
blockers, interferon, and other prescription drugs.
o Abuse of recreational drugs: Abuse of alcohol, amphetamines, and other
drugs are strongly linked to depression.
o A past head injury.
o Having had one episode of major depression: This increases the risk of a
subsequent one.
 o Chronic pain syndromes: These and other chronic conditions, such as
diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular
disease make depression more likely.

Teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous

to avoid feelings of depression. Teens also may express their depression through
hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviors only lead to new
problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends,
family, law enforcement or school officials.

Fast facts on depression:

 Depression seems to be more common among women than men.

 Symptoms include lack of joy and reduced interest in things that used to bring
person happiness.
 Life events, such as bereavement, produce mood changes that can usually be
distinguished from the features of depression.
 The causes of depression are not fully understood but are likely to be a complex
combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors.

What does not class as depression?

Depression is different from the fluctuations in mood that people experience as a

part of normal life. Temporary emotional responses to the challenges of everyday life do
not constitute depression.

Likewise, even the feeling of grief resulting from the death of someone close is
not itself depression if it does not persist. Depression can, however, be related to
bereavement - when depression follows a loss, psychologists call it a "complicated
bereavement."

Recommendations:

1. Dealing With Adolescent Pressures:

When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid
serious depression. All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance
and belonging that is so important to adolescents.

 Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’
self-esteem and provide an important social outlet.
 Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens
focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.
 Join organizations that offer programs for young people. Special programs
geared to the needs of adolescents help develop additional interests.
 Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens
should not be afraid to ask for help.
 But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens become depressed. Many
factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people
have too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of
depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other factors that
can contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death or divorce),
side-effects from some medications and negative thought patterns.

2. Treatment

Depression is a treatable mental illness. There are three components to the

management of depression:
  Support, ranging from discussing practical solutions and contributing stresses, to
educating family members.
 Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT).
 Drug treatment, specifically antidepressants.

3. Psychotherapy

Psychological or talking therapies for depression include cognitive-behavioral

therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, and problem-solving treatment. In mild
cases of depression, psychotherapies are the first option for treatment; in moderate and
severe cases, they may be used alongside other treatment.

CBT and interpersonal therapy are the two main types of psychotherapy used in
depression. CBT may be delivered in individual sessions with a therapist, face-to-face,
in groups, or over the telephone. Some recent studies suggest that CBT may be
delivered effectively through a computer

Interpersonal therapy helps patients to identify emotional problems that affect

relationships and communication, and how these, in turn, affect mood and can be
changed.

4. Antidepressant medications

Antidepressants are drugs available on prescription from a doctor. Drugs come into
use for moderate to severe depression, but are not recommended for children, and will
be prescribed only with caution for adolescents.

A number of classes of medication are available in the treatment of depression:

 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

  Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
 Tricyclic antidepressants
 Atypical antidepressants
 Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)

Each class of antidepressant acts on a different neurotransmitter. The drugs should

be continued as prescribed by the doctor, even after symptoms have improved, to
prevent relapse.

A warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that "antidepressant
medications may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and
young adults within the first few months of treatment."

Any concerns should always be raised with a doctor - including any intention to stop
taking antidepressants.

5. Exercise and other therapies

 Aerobic exercise may help against mild depression since it raises endorphin
levels and stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is related to
mood.
 Brain stimulation therapies - including electroconvulsive therapy - are also used
in depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sends magnetic
pulses to the brain and may be effective in major depressive disorder.
 Electroconvulsive therapy
 Severe cases of depression that have not responded to drug treatment may
benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); this is particularly effective for
psychotic depression.
Conclusion:

In conclusion, depression can be treated easily if a person himself/herself is

really dedicated in fighting the so called “depression” and is really determined in dealing
with its pros and cons. I can also say that depression can be prevented if and only if
people would be willing to give of help to those who are in very need of attention and
understanding.

Sources and References:

 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/depression-causes-symptoms-treatments-
8933
 http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression-teens
 https://psychcentral.com/lib/teenage-depression/