Search results
2 days ago · Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCngJWZDeudOHhYqUA-jqN_w/joinDAVIDO ARRIVES ACCRA IN A GRAND STYLE AS HE CONFESSED H...
- 11 min
- 6.8K
- UNCUT WITH UJU
Dec 29, 2020 · As such, I downloaded my YouTube watch history data in late April 2020 to learn more about my YouTube watching patterns. In this post, I’ll share the patterns I saw in my YouTube usage data that led me to quit YouTube forever.
- Overview
- Signs of YouTube Addiction
- Identifying YouTube Addiction
- Causes of YouTube Addiction
- The Impact of YouTube Addiction
- How to Get Help
- A Word From Verywell
Youtube addiction commonly refers to a compulsion to watch Youtube videos to the point that it interferes with daily life. This article discusses the signs, causes, effects, and treatment of this disorder and where to turn if you think you're affected.
Although the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) doesn't officially recognize YouTube addiction as a mental illness, many experts argue that it and other internet addictions should be considered for inclusion.
Because YouTube addiction is not a recognized condition, there are no specific diagnostic criteria. However, your online video viewing might be excessive if you're:
•Spending most of your time watching, thinking about watching, or planning to watch YouTube videos
•Feeling like you must watch online videos to feel good
•Continuing to watch YouTube videos even though the behavior leads to negative consequences
•Feeling like you can't cut back even though you want to
•Neglecting important work, family, school, or other tasks
Many people report feeling that their compulsion to watch YouTube videos is similar to an addiction. Indeed, becoming dependent on viewing online videos can represent a form of behavioral addiction.
Behavioral addictions are defined as non-substance addictions in which a person becomes dependent on certain behaviors or actions.
Like other types of behavioral addictions, viewing YouTube videos can produce short-term rewards in the brain. Over time, some people begin to feel that they've lost control over their viewing habits and may continue watching excessively despite adverse consequences.
A person might want to watch videos at inappropriate times—for example, in the middle of a date. Or they might watch in inappropriate places (at work), and in a way that interferes with daily life (missing work to watch YouTube videos).
The difficulty with this type of behavior is that it often starts slowly and builds over time. Because these behavioral changes tend to happen incrementally, it's difficult to see how they are interfering with daily tasks and well-being.
For example, you might watch videos for a specific purpose at first. Then, you might watch when you're bored or alone. Later, you might start opening the app first thing in the morning and get sucked into watching one video after another. Before you know it, several hours have passed, and you haven't even gotten out of bed.
The wide variety of videos also means you're unlikely to get bored. If your interest in one genre wanes, the recommendation algorithm will inevitably suggest videos suited to your interests. This can make it hard to know when to stop.
How to Know If You Have an Internet Addiction and What to Do About It
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic condition that involves complex interactions among genetics, brain circuits, the environment, and life experiences.
This definition encompasses the pathological pursuit of rewarding behaviors such as watching YouTube. Such behavior becomes compulsive and continues even when it has harmful consequences in a person's life.
If you're having difficulty meeting obligations and maintaining your relationships, consider talking to a mental health professional. They can help you with treatment options and strategies to help you manage—and maybe even eliminate—your YouTube video-watching habits. Therapy can help treat any other underlying mental health concerns that might be contributing to your behavior.
Research suggests that people who have behavioral addictions–including gambling disorder, compulsive internet use, exercise addiction, and compulsive shopping behavior—also tend to experience anxiety, substance use, mood, and other disorders at a much higher rate than the general population.
In addition to getting professional treatment, here are a few steps you can take on your own to help reduce problematic YouTube use.
•Set limits on when you can watch YouTube: Trying to completely eliminate something you enjoy can make you want it even more. Instead, allow yourself a specific amount of time each day.
•Turn off autoplay: Toggle off Autoplay next video in the settings. Eliminating the constant feed may make it easier to stop viewing when you'd planned.
•Set a reminder to take a break: Toggle the “Remind me to take a break” option. You can set this to whatever time you have decided to allow for video-watching.
Watching YouTube can be entertaining and informative. In some cases, however, you might find yourself watching too much YouTube or even experiencing symptoms of behavioral addiction.
Whether your viewing is a distracting habit that consumes too much of your time or is a more serious problem, you can take steps on your own to get it under control. Even better, talk to a mental health professional for advice.
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
1.Bozoglan B, ed. Psychological, Social, and Cultural Aspects of Internet Addiction: IGI Global; 2018. doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-3477-8
2.Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, Eslami M, Alaghemandan H, Setare M. Behavioral addiction versus substance addiction: Correspondence of psychiatric and psychological views. Int J Prev Med. 2012;3(4):290–294.
May 17, 2024 · Use code FLICKCONNECTION50 to get 50% OFF First Box and 20% OFF your Second Box with an active subscription at https://bit.ly/4ajCS7R!*Full list of titles a...
- 19 min
- 100.9K
- Flick Connection
Mar 15, 2020 · 24 Incredibly Bingeable YouTube Channels For When You've Watched Everything On Netflix Already. We've all suddenly got a lot of time on our hands. by Peggy Wang. BuzzFeed Staff.
- 6 min
- Peggy Wang
Jul 21, 2021 · YouTube is not only addictive because of instant gratification, but also because it’s a coping mechanism. As people watch more videos, YouTube becomes their artificial friend.
People also ask
Is YouTube addiction a symptom of addiction?
Are you addicted to YouTube?
Should I delete YouTube If I have a YouTube addiction?
Is YouTube addiction a mental illness?
Are YouTube videos a behavioral addiction?
What causes YouTube addiction?
Jul 21, 2023 · If you think you're watching excessive amounts of videos online, there are ways to ease up on your media intake. You can redirect your attention to new hobbies, take consistent tech breaks, and be mindful of your mental health. This wikiHow will guide you how to overcome and break a YouTube addiction in healthy ways.
