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The Best Social Media Addiction Books

Book 1

Humans
Brandon Stanton's 'Humans' expands from NYC to global stories, reminding us of our shared humanity with intimate, familiar tales resonating worldwide.
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Book 2

Social Media Anxiety and Addiction
Explore the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of social media addiction and learn steps to regain control from virtual connections.
Buy

Book 3

Irresistible
Adam Alter's 'Irresistible' delves into addictive technology, offering insights and tools to balance life, harness products positively, and set boundaries.
Buy

Book 4

Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Account Right Now
Lanier's book urges a social media reevaluation, arguing for a better life without it and providing compelling reasons to disconnect from online platforms.
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Buy

The Craving Mind
Explore digital addiction and the power of mindfulness to break habits in Judson Brewer's insightful book, offering answers to key questions on the topic.
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A young person is absorbed in their phone, bathed in the glow of a computer screen, illustrating the focus of the best social media addiction books

The best social media addiction books offer in-depth insights into the nature of this modern-day behavioral addiction, characterized by an overpowering concern and urge to engage with social media platforms. This type of addiction, similar to other behavioral addictions, can adversely affect the brain.

It manifests as compulsive, excessive use, often leading to significant interference in daily activities, including school performance, interpersonal relationships, and overall social behavior. Habitual use of social media has been linked to addictive patterns, underlining the importance of understanding and addressing this phenomenon. These books delve into the research and provide strategies for managing and overcoming the compulsion to constantly check and interact with social media.[1]

For more ways on how to break this addiction, we suggest How To Break Your Social Media Addiction.

Top 5 Best Social Media Addiction Books

Social media addiction books offer a well-structured, step-by-step approach to addressing the feelings and behaviors that contribute to a habitual and uncontrollable urge to use social media and encourage you to explore proven techniques. If you're ready to take control of your social media addiction, here are some of the books to consider:

Overall Best: Humans: Breaking Free From Virtual Reality Addiction

A book cover titled 'HUMANS' by Brandon Stanton with a globe composed of diverse human faces on a black background in a post about the best social media addiction books
  • Our Rating: 9.5
  • Amazon Rating: 4.9
  • Goodreads Rating: 4.6
  • Price: View Price
  • Publication Date: October 6, 2020
  • Book Length: 448 pages
  • Language: English
  • Author: Brandon Stanton

Book Description:

Humans is a book that reminds its readers about what it means to be human. Brandon Stanton created Humans of New York in the year 2010. It began as a photographic census of life in New York City and soon evolved into a storytelling phenomenon. Millions of global audiences began following Humans of New York daily. After several years, Stanton broadened his lens to include people from across the world. The faces and locations might vary from page to page but the stories feel deeply familiar. Told with intimacy and candor, Humans is said to resonate with readers across the globe and provide a portrait of our shared experience.

About the Author:

Brandon Stanton, the creator of the New York Times bestselling book Humans of New York as well as the children's book, Little Humans, has a 2013 Time Magazine "30 people under 30 changing the world". Stanton is a graduate of the University of Georgia and resides in New York City.

Good Reviews:

Most readers found this book interesting saying that it is eye-opening to peoples' cultures, ages, and feelings. [2] They also mentioned that it has beautiful photos and stories that remind one of the interconnectedness of all humanity [3]. One user said they wished they could give the book to each of their friends and family, stating that their heart was "touched", and they've "laughed" and "cried" at the "400 or so amazing, tender stories" presented in the book. [4]

Bad Reviews:

Although one reader praised the content of the book, they were critical of its condition, stating that the "sleeve looks like it's been passed around quite a bit". [5]

Potential Strengths:

  • Fun and interesting
  • Beautifully put together
  • Restores your faith in humanity
  • Insightful

Potential weaknesses:

  • Less than ideal condition

Runner Up: Social Media Anxiety and Addiction: Break Free from the Trap and Take Back Your Life! Detox Your Brain!

Book cover for 'SOCIAL MEDIA ANXIETY AND ADDICTION: Breaking Free From the Trap and Taking Back Your Life! Detox Your Brain!' by Christopher B. House, with a profile silhouette against a background with colorful digital static in a post about the best social media addiction books
  • Our Rating: 9.2
  • Amazon Rating: 4.5
  • Goodreads Rating: 4.7
  • Price: View Price
  • Publication Date: June 15, 2021
  • Listening Length: 5 hours and 33 minutes
  • Language: English
  • Author: Christopher B. House

Book Description:

This book shares with you the research that looks at the emotional, psychological, and physical impact social media addiction has as well as how to take a step back from being connected with virtual friends. It's written for people who feel anxious about being separated from their social media accounts and virtual friends, t0hose eager to learn about what it means to be addicted to social media, and individuals who want to step back and regain control over their devices. 

Good Reviews:

One user reported that this book puts the totality of the social media phenomenon (the good and the bad) in perspective adding that it opens with an insightful strategic overview of the enormous change this has brought about, which is essential for pretty much everyone to understand and that it offers help to those who have become emotionally dependent on it. [6] Another reader reported found the content of this book to be decent, saying that it's "an interesting read with quite insightful information about social media anxiety and addiction". [7]

Bad Reviews:

Presently, we can't lay our hands on any bad review, but there may be bad review(s) in the future.

Potential Strengths:

  • Puts the totality of the social media phenomenon in perspective
  • Decent and interesting content
  • Talks about both the upsides and downsides of social media
  • Engaging and timely
  • Excellent source on the perils of social media

Potential Weaknesses:

Although we can't say anything about this book's potential weakness for now, this doesn't mean it has no flip sides.

Worth the Price: Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked

Book cover of IRRESISTIBLE: The Rise of Addictive Technology and The Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter, featuring a glowing smartphone on a dark backdrop in a post about the best social media addiction books
  • Our Rating: 8.4
  • Amazon Rating: 4.5
  • Goodreads Rating: 3.9
  • Price: View Price
  • Publication Date: March 6, 2018
  • Book Length: 368 pages
  • Language: English
  • Author: Adam Alter

Book Description:

Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked promises to be a fascinating and much needed exploration of one of the most troubling phenomena of modern times. In this book, Alter brilliantly illuminates the new obsessions that are controlling most lives and offers the tools needed to rescue businesses, families, and sanity. This is a revolutionary book where the author– Adam Alter, a professor of psychology and marketing at NYU, tracks the rise of behavioral addiction and explains why so many of today's products are irresistible. He explains how young adults can harness addictive products for good and meaningful posts, to improve how they communicate with each other, spend and save their money, and set boundaries between work and play.

About the Author:

Adam Alter is a Professor of Psychology and Marketing at New York University Stern School of Business and he is also the New York Times bestselling author of Drunk Tank Pink, a book about the forces that shape how we think, feel, and behave, and Irresistible which is a book about the rise of addiction to technology and what should be done about it. Alter got his Bachelor of Science (Honors Class 1, University Medal) in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, Alter got his M.A. and Ph.D in Psychology from Princeton University where he held the Charlotte Elizabeth Procter Honorific Dissertation Fellowship and a Fellowship in the Woodrow Wilson Society of Scholars.

Good Reviews:

Most readers mentioned that the author did a good job, explaining that the book explains how people are hooked and get addicted to technology. [8] They also pointed out that this book provides some information on substance and behavioral addictions. [9] Other readers found the book to be a well-researched and insightful book that outlines some of the psychological factors that can lead to behavioral addiction. [10]

Bad Reviews:

A user expressed dissatisfaction saying "Although the book focuses on some of the negatives as well as the things that lead to one prompt addiction, some of the positive effects of technology overuse are not really covered in this book. [11] Another user complained that some long explanations could have been omitted to make the book more concise. [12] Similarly, one reviewer opined that the author has ventured into a field where his lack of expertise leads to little for those who truly understand and treat addiction. [13] The same user felt that there's no discussion of the wealth of research that supports addiction being an adaptive response to insecure attachment, adverse childhood experiences and trauma. [13]

Potential Strengths:

  • Good overall information
  • Compelling concept
  • Well written and researched
  • Insightful to understand social media addiction
  • A good read for both addicts and non-addicts

Potential Weaknesses: 

  • No discussion of the wealth of research supporting addiction being an adaptive response to insecure attachment and adverse childhood experiences.
  • Addiction medications not discussed
  • Some points are not well detailed

Firm Stand: Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Account Right Now

Book cover of 'TEN ARGUMENTS FOR DELETING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS RIGHT NOW' by Jaron Lanier, showcasing a minimalistic design with a cat silhouette and cream background in a post about the best social media addiction books
  • Our Rating: 8.3
  • Amazon Rating: 4.8
  • Goodreads Rating: 3.6
  • Price: View Price
  • Publication Date: August 21, 2019
  • Book Length: 176  pages
  • Language: English
  • Author: Jaron Lanier

Book Description:

In this book, Lanier shows the tactic value of appealing to the conscience of the individual. You might have trouble imagining day to day activities without your social media accounts but in this book, Lanier insists that you're better off without them. This book offers powerful and personal reasons for you to steer clear of online platforms.

About the Author:

The author– Jaron Lanier is regarded by some as the "father of virtual reality technology". Lanier has worked on the interface between computer science and medicine, neuroscience, and physics. He lives in Berkeley, California.

Good Reviews:

Most readers loved and recommended this book stating that the author is intelligent and well-informed. [14],[15] A reader reported that the book opened their mind up to different perspectives on the topic of social media and technology. [15] Meanwhile, another user felt that the author did a fantastic job of exposing the ugly side of social media. [16] This user also added that although the book is small and short, there is no wasted fluff anywhere in the book and it is worth the price. [16]

Bad Reviews:

A user expressed dissatisfaction stating that none of the arguments in the book would help convince their daughter. [17] Another user complained that the content is alright and insightful but that the book and paper quality are ultra cheap. [18] In addition, some users reported that the book is "small and short" and that most of the chapters felt short. [16] One of these readers complained that the book can be dry or lengthy at times and encouraged taking moments to mull over some of the ideas and thoughts presented in the pages. [19]

Potential Strengths:

  • Provides brilliant insight
  • Provides different perspectives on the topic of social media and technology
  • Thought-provoking 
  • Exposes the ugly sides of social media
  • Insightful content on internet addiction

Potential Weaknesses:

  • Less quality book and paper quality
  • Small and short

Mindfulness-Related: The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits

Book cover of 'The Craving Mind' by Judson Brewer, featuring a simple white and lavender design with a head silhouette and a gear symbol in the brain area in a post about the best social media addiction books
  • Our Rating: 8.2
  • Amazon Rating: 4.5
  • Goodreads Rating: 3.7
  • Price: View Price
  • Publication Date: February 6, 2018
  • Book Length: 256  pages
  • Language: English
  • Author: Judson Brewer & Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD

Book Description:

This book provides valuable answers to important questions about addiction to the digital world. The author- Judson Brewer describes the mechanisms of habit and addiction formation and explains how the practice of mindfulness can interrupt these habits.

About the Authors:

Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, the author of this book is internationally known for his work as a writer, scientist, and meditation teacher. Kabat-Zinn is currently a professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His books include Full Catastrophe Living, Arriving at Your Own Door, and Coming to Our Senses. 

Jud Brewer MD PhD is a thought leader in the field of habit change and the "science of self-mastery". Brewer is the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and associate professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences and Psychiatry at the Schools of Public Health & Medicine at Brown University.

Good Reviews:

Most users found this book to be an excellent book, explaining that it seems to expose the benefits of mindfulness meditation and how it can help overcome addictions and anxiety and increase self-confidence. [20] One reader reported that Brewer made very astute cultural references when he discussed stress and happiness. [21] Another user said they enjoyed the book, saying it has more than one direction all following the author's own life quest. [22]

Bad Reviews:

Some users expressed their dissatisfaction with this book, with one saying they wanted to like the book but it was so "boring that they couldn't read more than 10 pages without wanting to fall asleep". [23] Another said that their problem with the book is that its purpose seemed "less about coherently expressing ideas than about promoting the authors". [24]

Potential Strength:

  • Full of insights on addiction to various social media platforms, including Facebook addiction
  • Exposes the benefits of mindfulness meditation
  • An excellent introduction to brain function regarding addictions in general

Potential Weakness:

  • Self-promotional
  • Constant references are made to the author’s education and teaching/research positions in the Ivy League.
  • Some of the stories may be unrelatable
  • Cultural references

How to Use a Social Media Addiction Book

A social media addiction book is a practical tool for anyone struggling with a behavioral addiction involving being overly concerned about social media. 

Here are some steps on how to use these books effectively: 

  • Start by reading through the book to get the points 
  • Set aside a specific time each day or as the case may be to go through the book.
  • Ensure you complete each exercise carefully.
  • Reflect on your progress.
  • Reach out for additional support if needed.

The Benefits of a Social Media Addiction Book

Here are a few benefits of a social media addiction book:

  • Helps to understand social media addiction and other bad habits
  • Helps children as well as adults break free from social media addiction
  • Give a better understanding of the relationships between online behavior and human behavior 
  • It offers a step-by-step guide for social media addiction recovery, especially for a Facebook addict 
  • Create self-awareness of the addictive nature of social media.
  • Exposes the physical symptoms of being addicted to social media.
  • Teaches parents how to raise kids in this digital age.

FAQs

What is a Social Media Addiction Book? 

A social media addiction book is a self-help book designed to assist individuals struggling with a condition that involves an excessive or compulsive use of social media platforms.

What are the Primary Causes of Social Media Addiction?

The primary causes of social media addiction include stress, low self-esteem, and social anxiety.

References

Research trends in social media addiction a nd problematic social media use: A bibliometric analysis

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