Compulsive and Addictive Behavior Article

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Compulsive and Addictive Behavior

THE FACEBOOK OBSESSION

Recent statistics say that about 50% of all persons between 18 and 34 open their Facebook page after waking up each morning (Reimer, 2013). More than half of them do so on their smartphones even before getting out of bed when they wake up. Almost half of young Americans surveyed said they obtain their news through Facebook. Other youngsters consider Facebook not only a medium of interaction with friends but also about news and developments. More than 10% of all persons aged 25 and younger as against only 6% of older ones can be interrupted during sex by a Facebook message; 22% of this same age group during a meeting as against only 11% of older adults; 24% will be interrupted while on the way to the bathroom as against only 12% among older ones; and 49% during a meal as compared to only 27% among older persons. These statistics also say that 48% of Facebook users make updates and check for notifications when they are already in bed; and 18% of those 25 and younger cannot do without a few hours of checking out of their Facebook page (Reimer).
Overall addition statistics reported that the worldwide popularity of Facebook has led psychologists to identify a new mental health disorder they call "Facebook addiction disorder (Reimer, 2013). Facebook addiction has been rising because of its human characteristics, which render it naturally addictive. It satisfies the natural inclination of peeping Toms and they are at least potentially in each person. Facebook gives information about friends and past lovers by simply clicking a mouse. It enhances the ego when photos are placed on the wall and friends "like" them. Indulgence in Facebook makes users feel somewhat like celebrities. It boosts the mind and makes the user feel less alone. On the whole, it appears to fill the basic human needs as identified by psychologist Abraham Maslow. He arranged and defined these needs in a hierarchy, which represents the emotional growth and development of a typical person. These are physiological, security, social, esteem, and self-actualizing needs. Facebook gratifies the social needs of users, such as the….....

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