Social networking sites: a journey to addiction.

Introduction: The history of social networking sites (SNSs) dates back to 1997, when the first SNS SixDegrees emerged (Boyd D et al, 2008). In 2004, Facebookwas launched. In SNSs individuals connect with others who share similar interests. The perceived need to be online may result in compulsive use of SNSs, which in extreme cases may result in symptoms and consequences traditionally associated with substance-related addictions. Objectives: To present a non systematic review on the subject of social networking sites addiction; to draw attention to its clinical features and therapeutic approach. Methods: Brief review of the english literature published using the Pubmed® database. Key-words: "social media addiction"; "social networking sites and addiction"; "psychiatric symptoms o and social networking sites addiction". Articles were selected based on the content of the abstract and its relevance. Results: SNS use may lead to symptoms traditionally associated with substance-related addictions (Kuss D.J et al, 2011; Andreassen C.S, 2015). These symptoms are salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, relapse, and conflict with regards to behavioral addictions (Griffiths M. D et al, 2005). High engagement in social networking is partially due to the 'fear of missing out' (FOMO), a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences fromwhich one is absent" (Przybyloki A. K et al, 2013). Conclusions: When SNS use is discontinued, addicted individuals will experience negative psychological and sometimes physiological symptoms (withdrawal), often leading to a reinstatement of the problematic behavior (relapse). SNSs addiction is a genuine mental health problem that needs attention from professionals, affecting person's social-biological development (Barker Vet al, 2009). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]