About messenger

RNA

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where protein synthesis occurs. It is an intermediary between DNA and proteins.

Addiction to messenger, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes messenger addiction?

No, messenger addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “messenger addiction”?

Messenger addiction is the excessive use of instant messaging applications, such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, and Line, to an extent that it begins to interfere with a person’s daily life. People who are addicted to messaging apps may find themselves spending excessive amounts of time on them, neglecting other activities, and engaging in compulsive behaviors related to messaging.

What is considered messenger addiction?

• 1. Spending a large amount of time on messenger apps compared to other activities.
• 2. Obsessive checking of messages and notifications.
• 3. Becoming irritable or anxious when not able to access messenger apps.
• 4. Neglecting responsibilities due to excessive messaging, such as school or work.
• 5. Neglecting relationships due to excessive messaging.
• 6. Using messenger apps to escape from problems or stress.
• 7. Feeling the need to respond to messages immediately.
• 8. Increasingly isolating oneself from others in order to spend more time messaging.
• 9. Lying about the amount of time spent on messenger apps.
• 10. Becoming preoccupied with conversations or topics discussed on messenger apps.

How much messenger is too much?

It depends on the individual and their lifestyle. If messaging is interfering with other important activities such as work, school, or socializing, then it may be time to cut back.

Some Social media addiction facts & statistics

According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, around 72% of American adults use social media. However, the statistics on social media addiction vary depending on the source and the definition of addiction. Here are a few statistics:

– A 2018 study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram was the most harmful social media platform for mental health, with young people experiencing anxiety, depression, and poor body image due to the platform.
– A 2019 survey by the Center for Humane Technology found that 60% of Americans consider themselves addicted to their mobile devices, with social media being a significant contributor to this addiction.
– A 2019 survey by Common Sense Media found that 59% of U.S. teens felt that social media made them feel more anxious or depressed, and 43% felt pressure to only post content that makes them look good.
– A 2018 study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day resulted in significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms in young adults.

While these statistics suggest that social media addiction is a real concern, it’s important to note that not everyone who uses social media experiences addiction or negative effects on their mental health.

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Is the messenger addiction widespread?

It is known that social media and messaging apps can be addictive for some people, and it is important to use them in moderation and prioritize other aspects of life.

Why is messenger so addictive?

Messenger can be addictive because it allows people to stay connected with others, share their thoughts, and have conversations anytime, anywhere.

Additionally, its user-friendly, intuitive interface allows people to easily stay in touch with their friends and family. Furthermore, its features such as chatbots, games, and other interactive elements can make it even more engaging. Finally, its instant messaging capabilities can provide a sense of immediacy and reward, which can be highly addictive for some people.

Possible causes of messenger dependency

• 1. Easy access: Messengers are easy to use and accessible on multiple devices, making it easy to stay connected with friends and family regardless of time or location.
• 2. Instant gratification: Instant messaging provides immediate gratification, enabling users to get an immediate response when they send a message.
• 3. Social media integration: Many messengers offer the ability to integrate with popular social media platforms, making it easier to stay connected with people in a variety of ways.
• 4. Peer pressure: Peer pressure can be a factor in messenger addiction, as people may be more likely to use messengers to keep up with their friends.
• 5. Lack of other interests: A lack of other interests or activities may contribute to messenger addiction, as people may use messengers to fill up their free time.
• 6. Escapism: Messengers can provide a way to distract oneself from difficult or unpleasant situations, leading to overuse.

Signs & Symptoms of messenger addiction

Now let’s see if you have the messenger addiction problem.

• 1. You can’t go an hour without checking your messages.
• 2. You use Messenger for almost all your communication.
• 3. You have a hard time having conversations without using Messenger.
• 4. You feel lost without your Messenger notifications.
• 5. You use Messenger for non-essential conversations.
• 6. You can’t help but answer messages as soon as you receive them.
• 7. You get anxious when you don’t receive notifications or messages.

What are some benefits of messenger

Pros:

• 1. Instant messaging: Messenger allows users to send and receive messages in real time. This makes it easier and faster to communicate with friends and family.
• 2. Video and Voice Calls: Messenger makes it easy to make video and voice calls to friends and family, no matter where they are. This can help keep people connected even when they are far apart.
• 3. Group Chat: Messenger allows users to create group chats, making it easy to have conversations with multiple people at once.
• 4. Live Location Sharing: Messenger allows users to share their live location with friends and family, making it easier to meet up with people.
• 5. Games: Messenger has a wide variety of games that users can play with their friends. This can help add some fun to conversations.

Advantages:

• 1. Convenience: Messenger is a very convenient way to stay in touch with people. It is fast, easy to use, and available on multiple platforms.
• 2. Safety: Messenger is a safe and secure way to communicate with people. All messages and calls are encrypted, making it difficult for anyone to access them.
• 3. Cost-Effective: Messenger is a free service that does not require any additional fees or subscriptions. This makes it a very cost-effective way to stay in touch with people.
• 4. Functions: Messenger has a wide variety of functions that make it easy to express yourself and stay connected with people. These functions include emojis, GIFs, stickers, and much more.
• 5. Availability: Messenger is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows. This makes it easy to stay connected with people no matter what device they are using.

But at the opposite, what can be some messenger addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

Messenger can have both positive and negative effects on your health.

Positive Effects:

• 1. Messenger can help people stay in contact with friends and family, which can help reduce stress and feelings of loneliness.
• 2. Messenger can be used as a distraction from negative thoughts and feelings, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
• 3. Messenger can provide an outlet to express emotions and thoughts, which can help improve mental well-being.

Negative Effects:

• 1. Excessive use of Messenger can lead to sleep deprivation, which can affect physical health.
• 2. Messenger can be addictive and can lead to unhealthy habits such as checking messages constantly and not taking breaks.
• 3. Spending too much time on Messenger can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.

messenger and sleep disorder

There is no evidence to suggest that using Messenger or any other social media platform can directly cause sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, excessive use of technology, including social media, can disrupt sleep patterns by causing overstimulation and interfering with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. It is recommended to limit screen time before bed and establish a consistent sleep routine to promote healthy sleep habits.

messenger affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of messenger on your brain

• 1. It Can Be Addictive: Constant messaging can lead to overuse and addiction, making it difficult to stay focused and productive.
• 2. It Makes You Less Productive: Constantly checking messages can lead to a distraction from work and daily tasks, making it difficult to focus on getting things done.
• 3. It Can Cause Stress: The pressure to constantly respond to messages can add to existing stress.
• 4. It Can Lead to Poor Sleep: Being on your phone at night can reduce your quality of sleep, leading to fatigue and other issues.
• 5. It Can Lead to Poor Concentration: Constantly messaging can lead to a decrease in concentration, making it difficult to concentrate on important tasks.
• 6. It Can Lead to Poor Decision Making: Being distracted by messaging can lead to poor decision making and mistakes.

Some effects of messenger on your mental health

• 1. Social Comparison: Spending too much time on Messenger can lead to unhealthy comparison between yourself and others. It can create feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
• 2. Anxiety: The constant influx of messages, notifications, and news can create an overwhelming feeling of anxiety.
• 3. Isolation: Spending too much time on Messenger can make you feel isolated from real-life relationships.
• 4. Aggression: Constant online arguments and debates can lead to increased aggression and hostility.
• 5. Lack of Concentration: Too much time spent on Messenger can lead to a lack of concentration, making it difficult to focus on important tasks.
• 6. Depression: Spending too much time on Messenger can cause depression, as it can make people feel disconnected from the real world.

Does messenger cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, Messenger can cause stress or anxiety in some individuals. Here are a few reasons why:

• 1. Social pressure: Messenger provides a platform for people to communicate with each other easily, which can be overwhelming for some individuals who feel pressured to respond quickly or keep up with their messages.
• 2. Notifications overload: Messenger notifications can be constant and distracting, causing stress and anxiety in individuals who are trying to focus on other tasks.
• 3. Fear of missing out (FOMO): Messenger can also contribute to FOMO, as users may feel anxious about missing out on important conversations or events if they do not check their messages frequently.
• 4. Cyberbullying: Unfortunately, Messenger can also be used as a tool for cyberbullying, which can cause significant stress and anxiety for the victim.

It’s important to recognize these potential sources of stress and anxiety and take steps to manage them, such as setting boundaries around notifications or taking breaks from social media when needed.

Can messenger addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, excessive use of messaging apps can lead to feelings of sadness and depression. This is because constant use of messaging apps can disrupt our daily routine, affect our sleep patterns, and reduce our face-to-face interactions with others. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to feelings of sadness and depression.

Additionally, social media and messaging apps can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and can lead to negative comparisons with others, which can also contribute to feelings of sadness and depression. It is important to use messaging apps in moderation and to prioritize face-to-face interactions with others.

Dopamine and messenger

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which means it is a chemical messenger that is involved in transmitting signals between nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine plays a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, pleasure, and reward-related behaviors. It is also involved in motor control and learning.

When dopamine is released by one nerve cell, it travels across a small gap called a synapse and binds to specific receptors on the surface of another nerve cell. This binding triggers a series of biochemical events that ultimately lead to the transmission of a signal from one nerve cell to the next.

Overall, dopamine acts as a messenger in the brain, communicating information about reward, motivation, and movement to other neurons and influencing behavior and mood.

messenger effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Yes, messenger can affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance. Here are some ways in which messenger can impact these areas:

• 1. Distraction: Messenger notifications can constantly interrupt your work, causing you to lose focus and productivity.
• 2. Multitasking: Messenger can lead to multitasking, which can decrease your concentration and attention span.
• 3. Socializing: Messenger can be a source of socializing, which can lead to spending more time chatting with friends than working on academic tasks.
• 4. Procrastination: Messenger can be a source of procrastination. People may spend more time on messenger than on productive tasks.
• 5. Addiction: Overuse of messenger can lead to addiction, which can negatively affect academic performance.

In summary, messenger can be a useful tool for communication, but it can also negatively impact focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance if not used in moderation.

A word about ADHD and messenger

There is no definitive answer to this question as people with ADHD can have varying experiences with messaging platforms like Messenger. However, some common ways in which people with ADHD may interact differently with Messenger are:

• 1. Difficulty in focusing on long conversations: People with ADHD may find it challenging to focus on long conversations, and as a result, they may struggle to keep up with the messages on Messenger.
• 2. Impulsivity in messaging: People with ADHD may be impulsive in their messaging behavior and may send messages without fully thinking through what they want to say. This can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.
• 3. Hyperfocus on Messenger: On the flip side, people with ADHD may also hyperfocus on Messenger and get easily distracted by notifications, leading to procrastination and difficulty in managing their time.
• 4. Difficulty in organizing messages: People with ADHD may struggle with organizing their messages on Messenger, and may find it challenging to keep track of important conversations.

Overall, the way in which people with ADHD interact with Messenger can vary widely, and it depends on a range of factors including personal preferences, communication style, and individual experiences with the platform.

affecting your relationships

messenger and self-esteem

Messenger can affect self-esteem in a number of ways:

• 1. Social comparison: Messenger allows us to easily compare ourselves to others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority if we perceive others as more successful or attractive.
• 2. Fear of missing out (FOMO): Messenger can create a sense of pressure to constantly be connected and up-to-date on social events, creating anxiety and low self-esteem if we feel left out.
• 3. Cyberbullying: Messenger can be a platform for cyberbullying, which can significantly impact self-esteem and mental health.
• 4. Validation seeking: Messenger can become a way to seek external validation and affirmation, leading to a dependence on others for self-worth.
• 5. Inauthenticity: Messenger may encourage people to present an idealized version of themselves, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and impostor syndrome when comparing themselves to others.

Overall, the impact of Messenger on self-esteem depends on one’s individual relationship with the app and how they use it.

messenger addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, excessive use of messenger or any other social media platform can lead to isolation and loneliness. This is because the more time someone spends on these platforms, the less time they spend engaging in face-to-face interactions and building meaningful relationships with others in real life.

Additionally, social media can create a false sense of connectivity, where individuals may feel like they have a lot of friends and connections online, but they may not have the same level of intimacy and support as they would in person. Overuse of messenger can also lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can contribute to further social isolation and loneliness. It’s important to balance online communication with in-person interactions and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to messenger or other social media platforms.

Effects of messenger on your relationship

Positive effects of messenger on your relationship:

• 1. Quick communication: Messenger allows you to communicate quickly and easily with your partner, which can help you stay connected even when you’re apart.
• 2. Emotional expression: Messenger provides a platform for emotional expression, allowing you to share your feelings with your partner in real-time.
• 3. Convenience: Messenger is convenient to use and accessible from anywhere, making it easy to stay in touch with your partner throughout the day.
• 4. Increased intimacy: Regular communication through Messenger can help increase intimacy and strengthen your emotional connection with your partner.
• 5. Reduced misunderstandings: Messenger allows for clear and concise communication, which can reduce misunderstandings and potential conflicts.

Negative effects of messenger on your relationship:

• 1. Overdependence: Overusing Messenger can create an overdependence on technology, which can lead to a lack of face-to-face communication and disconnection.
• 2. Misinterpretation: Messages can be easily misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings and potential conflicts.
• 3. Privacy concerns: Messenger conversations can be easily accessed by others if your account is compromised, which can lead to privacy concerns.
• 4. Addiction: Overuse of Messenger can lead to addiction, which can negatively impact your mental health and relationship.
• 5. Distraction: Frequent notifications and distractions from Messenger can interrupt quality time with your partner and decrease the quality of your time together.

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Finally you think you are addicted to messenger and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for messenger?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your messenger addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the messenger addiction

• 1. Recognize the Problem: Acknowledge that you have a problem with messenger addiction, and understand the consequences of continuing addiction.
• 2. Set Goals: Set realistic goals for yourself, such as limiting the time you spend on messenger each day, or turning off notifications and other reminders.
• 3. Find Support: Seek out friends, family, or a support group to help you stay on track with your goals.
• 4. Monitor Your Progress: Track your usage and set milestones to ensure you’re making progress.
• 5. Take Breaks: Don’t be afraid to take a break from messenger. If you need to, turn it off for a day or two.
• 6. Find Alternative Activities: Find activities that you can do instead of using messenger, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with friends.
• 7. Seek Professional Help: If you’re still struggling, seek help from a professional.

Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including messenger:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of messenger

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your messenger accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge