New studies suggest that the overuse of social media may be contributing to psychological problems among millennials.

In today’s digital age, social media has become the platform by which young adults communicate and stay up-to-date with current trends. Often times, it’s the first thing we check when we go to bed and the first thing we open when we wake up in the morning.

For a large percentage of the population, apps like Instagram and Snapchat have developed into secondary limbs, acting as the basis for interpersonal relationships. Plus, the inherent nature of these digital platforms makes it challenging to go radio silent without experiencing feelings of separation anxiety and “FOMO” (fear of missing out). Undoubtedly, social media has become a familiar and customary way of life.

But how much is too much?

Recent studies have shown that spending an excessive amount of time on social media and the Internet may negatively affect your mental health. According to CBS News, the constant need to be connected has now proven to lead to “higher rates of depression, anxiety, impulsiveness and inattention” in college students. Through using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), researchers were able to better gage the affects of technology on millennials. Evidently, those who screened positive on the IAT had a more difficult time dealing with their everyday tasks both in their home life and at school. Read more

While it may be difficult to cut the cord entirely when it comes to our activity online, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the negative affects. Although social media addiction may be growing at a rapid rate, you have the power to stop it before it takes over your life. When it comes to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter, moderation is key. By simply setting a daily limit for the time you spend on your favorite social media hubs, you can greatly benefit your overall well-being and happiness levels. Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves if we are in fact addicted to technology, and if so, how do we turn it back into a positive relationship?