Welcome to our digital detoxing series! A series on how to stop addictions to Fortnite,Facebook,Instagram,porn,Netflix, Youtube,Tinder… Find all the posts about digital addiction. Today, let’s talk about how to quit the discord addiction.
- What’s the discord addiction?
- Addiction to discord, a “real” addiction?
- What’s considered discord addiction
- How much discord is too much?
- Some Social media addiction facts & statistics
- Symptoms & Causes of the discord addiction
- Why is discord so addictive?
- Possible causes of discord dependency
- Symptoms, Causes and Signs of discord addiction
- Problems, impacts & bad effects of discord
- Some benefits of discord
- health problems
- impact on brain & mental health
- impact on relationships
- How to stop & quit your discord addiction
- Main steps and solutions to break the discord addiction
- Best discord blocker apps & functionalities
- where to seek extra help?
- Conclusion
- To Go Further
- How to help someone with discord addiction
- Best books about Social media addiction
- Research about Social media addiction
What is the discord addiction?
About discord
Discord is a voice and text chat app designed for gamers that lets you easily find, join, and chat with friends. It’s free, secure, and works on both your desktop and phone.
Addiction to discord, 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 discord addiction?
There is no listing for “discord addiction” in the DSM-5.
So what means “discord addiction”?
There is no official diagnosis of “discord addiction,” but it could be described as a compulsion to use the chat platform Discord to the point where it interferes with other aspects of a person’s life. Like any addiction, it may be accompanied by symptoms of withdrawal when Discord is not accessible.
What is considered discord addiction?
- 1. Preoccupation with Discord – A person with a Discord addiction may spend excessive amounts of time using the app, to the point that it interferes with other aspects of their life.
- 2. Withdrawal Symptoms – A person with a Discord addiction may experience withdrawal symptoms when they are not able to use the app, such as anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.
- 3. Tolerance – A person with a Discord addiction may find that they need to use the app more and more in order to get the same desired effect.
- 4. Unsuccessful Attempts to Cut Back – A person with a Discord addiction may try to cut back on their use of the app but be unsuccessful in doing so.
- 5. continued Use Despite Negative Consequences – A person with a Discord addiction may continue to use the app even though it is causing problems in their life, such as interfering with work or school.
How much discord is too much?
It is difficult to say how much time spent on Discord is too much because it depends on the person. Some people may be able to handle spending a lot of time on Discord without any negative effects, while others may find that it starts to interfere with their daily life. If you find that you are spending more time on Discord than you would like, or if it is starting to interfere with your ability to complete other tasks, 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.
Is the discord addiction widespread?
Like with any social media platform or online community, it is possible for some individuals to become addicted to using Discord, especially if they use it excessively and prioritize it over other important activities in their lives. It is important for individuals to practice moderation and self-control when using Discord or any other online platform.
Symptoms, Causes and Signs of discord addiction
Why is discord so addictive?
There are many possible reasons for why Discord may be addictive. Some possible reasons include:
- 1. Discord provides a sense of community and belonging. For many people, Discord may be the only place where they feel like they truly belong.
- 2. Discord allows people to be themselves. People can be anonymous on Discord, which may allow them to feel more comfortable expressing themselves.
- 3. Discord is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. Discord allows people to stay in touch with loved ones easily and quickly.
- 4. Discord is a great way to stay informed about current events. Discord allows people to receive updates about current events quickly and easily.
- 5. Discord is a great way to pass the time. Discord provides a never-ending supply of entertainment, which can be addictive for some people.
Possible causes of discord dependency
There is no one answer to this question as there are many factors that can contribute to discord addiction. Some possible causes include using discord as a way to cope with anxiety or depression, using discord as a way to escape from reality, or being addicted to the attention and validation that discord provides.
Signs & Symptoms of discord addiction
Now let’s see if you have the discord addiction problem.
- 1. You spend more time on Discord than you do on any other social media platform.
- 2. You have multiple Discord servers that you are a part of.
- 3. You have made friends on Discord that you consider to be close to you.
- 4. You have a Discord server for almost everything that you are a part of.
- 5. You spend more time talking to people on Discord than you do in real life.
- 6. You have a hard time going a day without using Discord.
- 7. You get anxious when you can’t use Discord or are not around other people who use it.
Problems, impacts & bad effects of discord: should you quit?
What are some benefits of discord
Discord is a great platform for gamers and other online communities because it is free, easy to use, and has a variety of features that make it unique and user-friendly. Some of the advantages of Discord include:
- 1. Discord is free to use and doesn’t require any subscription fees.
- 2. It is very easy to use and set up.
- 3. Discord has a variety of features that make it unique and user-friendly, such as voice and video chat, server customization, and bot support.
- 4. Discord is constantly improving and adding new features, such as the recent addition of server folders.
- 5. It has a very active and helpful community that is always willing to help users with any issues they may have.
But at the opposite, what can be some discord addiction problems addicts suffer from?
general health problems
Discord can have a negative effect on your mental and emotional health. It can cause anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also lead to conflict and strained relationships.
discord and sleep disorder
The use of Discord or any social media platform can potentially interfere with a person’s sleep schedule if they use it excessively or at night when they should be sleeping. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Additionally, the stimulation from social interaction or gaming can keep a person’s mind active and make it difficult to relax and unwind before bed. It is important for individuals to establish healthy sleep habits and limit their use of electronic devices before bedtime to minimize the risk of sleep problems.
discord affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?
Some effects of discord on your brain
Discord can have a number of negative effects on your brain, including:
- 1. Increased stress and anxiety
- 2. Difficulty concentrating
- 3. Difficulty sleeping
- 4. Increased irritability
- 5. Headaches
- 6. Excessive tiredness
Some effects of discord on your mental health
Discord can have a number of negative effects on your mental health, including:
- 1. Increased anxiety and stress: When you’re in a state of discord, you may feel like you’re constantly on edge. This can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact your mental health.
- 2. Depression: Discord can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can lead to depression.
- 3. difficulty concentrating: The constant noise and chaos of discord can make it difficult to focus and concentrate. This can lead to problems with work, school, and other areas of life.
- 4. sleep problems: The stress and anxiety caused by discord can also lead to difficulty sleeping, which can further negatively impact your mental health.
Does discord cause stress and anxiety?
Discord is a communication platform that allows users to connect with each other through text, voice, and video chat. While it is primarily designed for socializing and gaming, it can also be used for work-related communication. Like any other social platform, Discord can cause stress or anxiety in some users, depending on how they use it and their personal preferences. Here are some potential factors that could contribute to stress or anxiety:
- 1. Too much communication: If a user feels overwhelmed by the number of messages, notifications, or requests they receive on Discord, it can lead to stress or anxiety. This could be especially true for users who have a large number of friends or participate in many Discord servers.
- 2. Cyberbullying or harassment: Unfortunately, like any other online platform, Discord is not immune to cyberbullying or harassment. If a user is a victim of such behavior, it can lead to stress, anxiety, or even depression.
- 3. Addiction: Some users may become addicted to Discord, spending too much time on the platform and neglecting other aspects of their lives. This could lead to stress, anxiety, or even physical health problems.
- 4. Fear of missing out: Discord can sometimes create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), as users may feel like they are missing out on important conversations or events if they are not constantly checking the platform. This could lead to stress or anxiety in some users.
Overall, while Discord can be a fun and useful platform for many people, it is important to use it in moderation and be aware of its potential negative effects on mental health. If a user experiences stress or anxiety related to Discord, it may be helpful to take a break from the platform, limit its use, or seek support from a mental health professional.
Can discord addiction lead to sadness and depression?
Yes, excessive use of Discord can lead to sadness and depression. Spending too much time on Discord can lead to social isolation, lack of physical activity, and neglecting other important aspects of life, such as work or school. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Additionally, Discord addiction can also disrupt sleep patterns, which can further contribute to feelings of sadness and depression. It is important to maintain a healthy balance between using Discord and engaging in other activities and social interactions.
Dopamine and discord
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our brain’s reward system. It is released when we experience pleasure or anticipation of pleasure, and it reinforces behaviors that lead to that pleasure. One of the most common ways we experience dopamine release is through social interaction, including online interaction on platforms like Discord.
Discord is a popular communication platform that allows users to join or create communities based on shared interests. Users can chat, voice call, or video call with other members of their community, and the platform offers various features to enhance the user experience. The platform can be highly addictive because it offers instant gratification and social validation, which leads to dopamine release.
However, excessive use of Discord can also lead to negative effects on mental health and well-being. Spending too much time on the platform can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as a decrease in face-to-face communication skills.
Additionally, being a member of multiple communities can lead to social comparison and feelings of inadequacy.
In summary, while dopamine release in response to social interaction on Discord can be a positive experience, it is important to be mindful of the potential negative effects of excessive use. Moderation and balance are key to maintaining a healthy relationship with the platform.
discord effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…
Yes, Discord can affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance, especially if it is used excessively or inappropriately. Here are some ways that Discord can have a negative impact on these areas:
- 1. Distraction: Discord can be a major source of distraction, with constant notifications, messages, and voice chats that can interrupt work or study time. This can lead to a loss of focus and productivity.
- 2. Socialization: While socializing on Discord can be enjoyable, it can also be a time-consuming distraction that can pull users away from important tasks. This can also lead to a decrease in academic performance if it interferes with study time.
- 3. Sleep disruption: Staying up late to chat on Discord can lead to a lack of sleep, which can negatively impact attention span, focus, and productivity during the day.
- 4. Cyberbullying: Being exposed to cyberbullying on Discord can cause emotional distress, which can affect academic performance and overall well-being.
However, it’s worth noting that Discord can also have positive effects, such as facilitating communication and collaboration among peers or providing a sense of community and support. It ultimately depends on how Discord is used and balanced with other aspects of life.
A word about ADHD and discord
There is no definitive answer to this question, as individuals with ADHD may interact with Discord in a variety of ways depending on their specific symptoms and coping mechanisms. Some individuals with ADHD may find Discord to be a helpful platform for social interaction and communication, as it allows for instant messaging, voice chat, and video conferencing. Others may struggle with the fast-paced nature of Discord conversations or find it difficult to focus on multiple conversations at once.
Additionally, some individuals with ADHD may engage in impulsive behavior on Discord, such as sending messages without thinking them through or interrupting others during a conversation. Overall, how individuals with ADHD interact with Discord is likely to depend on a range of factors, including their individual symptoms, coping mechanisms, and level of support.
affecting your relationships
discord and self-esteem
Discord can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem, depending on how it is used and the individual’s experience with it.
Positive effects:
- 1. Community building: Being a part of a supportive community on Discord can boost self-esteem by providing a sense of belonging and acceptance.
- 2. Skill development: Participating in Discord communities focused on particular interests or hobbies can help individuals improve their skills and knowledge, leading to a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
- 3. Collaboration: Working together with others on Discord can promote teamwork and constructive feedback, which can boost self-esteem and confidence in one’s abilities.
Negative effects:
- 1. Comparison: Comparing oneself to others on Discord, whether it be in terms of skills or popularity, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.
- 2. Cyberbullying: Negative interactions on Discord, such as bullying or harassment, can damage an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth.
- 3. Obsessive behavior: Spending excessive amounts of time on Discord or becoming overly invested in online personas can negatively impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection from real-life relationships.
Overall, it is important to use Discord in a healthy and balanced way, focusing on the positive aspects of community building and skill development while avoiding negative comparisons and cyberbullying.
discord addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?
Yes, it is possible for Discord addiction to lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to Discord, they may spend an excessive amount of time on the platform, neglecting their real-life relationships and responsibilities. Over time, this can lead to a lack of social interaction and a feeling of disconnectedness from the people around them. As a result, the person may begin to feel isolated and lonely, which can have negative effects on their mental health and well-being. It’s important to remember to balance online interactions with real-life connections to avoid the negative consequences of addiction.
Effects of discord on your relationship
Positive effects of Discord on your relationship:
- 1. Improved Communication: Discord can help improve communication between partners. When you openly discuss your differences, it can help you understand each other better and find solutions that work for both of you.
- 2. Strengthening Trust: When you work through a conflict together, it can help build trust between partners, as you learn to rely on each other during difficult times.
- 3. Deeper Understanding: Discord can also help deepen your understanding of each other’s perspectives, needs, and desires. This can help you become more empathetic and supportive partners.
Negative effects of Discord on your relationship:
- 1. Increased Stress: Discord can create stress and tension in a relationship, which can take a toll on both partners’ emotional and physical well-being.
- 2. Damaged Communication: If discord is not handled well, it can lead to damaged communication between partners. This can make it difficult to resolve conflicts and can lead to further misunderstandings.
- 3. Decreased Intimacy: Discord can also decrease intimacy between partners, as unresolved conflicts can create distance and emotional distance can be detrimental to your relationship.
How To Stop & quit Your discord Addiction
Finally you think you are addicted to discord and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for discord?
Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your discord addiction.
Main steps and solutions to break the discord addiction
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, some steps that may help include:
- 1. Identify your triggers. What situations or activities lead you to use Discord excessively? Once you know your triggers, you can try to avoid them or find alternative activities to do instead.
- 2. Set limits on your Discord use. Decide how much time you want to spend on Discord each day and stick to it. You may also want to set limits on specific activities, such as only using Discord for chatting and not for gaming.
- 3. Find other things to do. When you have free time, instead of using Discord, try doing something else that you enjoy. This can help you avoid using Discord excessively and can also help you find other interests.
- 4. Talk to someone. If you’re struggling to control your Discord use, talking to a trusted friend or family member can be helpful. They can provide support and accountability.
- 5. Seek professional help. If you’re unable to control your Discord use on your own, you may need to seek professional help. This is especially true if your Discord use is interfering with your ability to function in day-to-day life.
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 discord:
1. Purge temptations: Get rid of discord
First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your discord 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: