According to GSMA Intelligence there’s around 7.8 billion mobile devices in the world (at the time of writing). That means there’s currently more mobile devices than people. Let’s just think about that for a second – there are more mobile devices on this planet than people.

With these staggering statistics, it’s little wonder that many people find it increasingly difficult to switch off their mobile phones, unplug themselves from social media and create for themselves the fulfilling and joyful life they portray on Facebook that so many others seem to be having.

I’ve asked the question previously ‘Can we truly connect through social media?’ because I found that more and more people seemed to putting all the best bits of their lives on social media. Shouting about their amazing lives, the places they go and things they see.

What some don’t realise is this addiction to social networking sites and always sharing the ‘good bits’ of life can be a zero sum game. By only talking about and sharing the ‘highlight reel’ of their lives, users start to create an idea that this is how life should be 24/7, but we all know deep down that’s just not how life works.

Factor into this reading everyone else’s ‘highlight reel’ and you’ve got yourself a recipe for Facebook Jealousy (yes, it’s a real thing).

“If you find yourself thinking, ‘gee that person spends a lot of time on social media’ it’s likely that you’re on social media just as much, otherwise how would you have noticed this?”

Recently a study at the University of Missouri-Columbia found those who use Facebook to compare themselves against the accomplishments of others can end up feeling depressed.

And it’s not a far stretch to imagine that those with a leaning towards mental health issues will suffer doubly so. The grim cycle of withdrawing because you’re feeling depressed and then finding pleasure from likes, comments and retweets creates an environment for people with social media addiction to sink into a dopamine loop where they’re constantly seeking and liking in a loop to satisfy their brain’s needs.

Note – we’ve explored dopamine loops briefly in 15 signs you're addicted to your mobile phone.

So if you're in a slump or not feeling that great about yourself, perhaps you're spending too much time on social media and it's time to finally take up the 30 day challenge?