Is social media addictive? Why a formal diagnosis is still out of reach

A recent California trial awarded $6 million to a woman who claimed social media addiction harmed her, with companies like Meta and Google planning to appeal. Despite years of research, experts are unsure if social media use qualifies as an addiction. More studies and guidance from organizations like the American Psychiatric Association are needed to determine if social media addiction is a real clinical issue. Excessive use has been linked to problems like job loss and relationship issues, but social media can also offer benefits, such as support for marginalized groups. The debate continues on how to measure and define social media addiction. Mislabeling it could lead to unnecessary medical treatments, but recognizing it could improve mental health care. The decision on whether to classify it as an addiction lies with the APA. QUESTION: How might labeling social media use as an addiction impact the way young people interact with these platforms?