| It has been a full year since we started this newsletter. If you’ve been following us the whole time, this heading will be familiar. I’m sure it is as relevant as it was the first time we talked about it. Do you find yourself “just checking” social media … and only looking up half an hour later? How do you feel when you have to put it away to study? It is so hard, right? The reason it is so hard, is that your brain reacts to social media like it reacts to gambling and drugs. You get physically and emotionally addicted. |
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 | When you get a “like” or a mention or a reaction, the reward area in the brain lights up – the same kind of reaction as caused by cocaine. Click here to find out more. These reward centres of the brain also come alive when we talk about ourselves. In real life, people talk about themselves around 30% to 40% of the time. On social media, it’s 80% of the time! When you then get positive feedback, the reward centre is activated… and you want it again and again. |
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| Social media addiction looks much like any other addiction: It changes your moods. It becomes the only thing you can think of. You get physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when it’s taken away. It creates conflict with people around you. You cannot stop – even if you try, you fall back into it time and again. The problem for a student, of course, is that it eats up your time, and at this point in the year, you cannot allow that to happen. What to do?! You will get bored with our message, because it’s always the same: you can do it! Use these simple practical guidelines to control the temptation: Turn off sound notifications.Only check social media in time marked “free time” on your schedule.Do not download social media apps on your computer. Keep them on the phone only, so that you draw a clear line between work and play.Put away your phone when you study.Put away your phone for meals and for family time.Switch your phone to silent when you’re sleeping. The owners of social media platforms spend billions to make them as attractive and addictive as possible. Don’t beat yourself up if you get drawn in. Remember the Alcoholics Anonymous slogan: one day at a time. Just for today: stay in control. You may find this podcast interesting – it’s an interview with a South African guy who is now a full-time comedian, who overcame addiction to alcohol and drugs. One of the points he makes is something we have also said before: if we want to change a habit, we have to surround ourselves with people who also want the “new” changed habit and routine, both for themselves and for you. Find friends who share your goals and your dreams. They will help you get there faster. We’ll talk more about this next time. Happy studying! The GRAD team —————————- If you’d rather listen to this newsletter, click here. Click here to check out our other podcasts If you like our content, forward and share!   GRAD – your guide to university success is a partnership project of Ruda Landman, StudyTrust, Van Schaik Publishers and Capitec Bank. |
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