About wattpad

Wattpad is an online storytelling platform where people can read and write stories for free. It is a global community of readers and writers, connecting through stories.

Addiction to wattpad, 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 wattpad addiction?

No, wattpad addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “wattpad addiction”?

Wattpad addiction is a term used to describe the compulsive use of the online story-sharing website Wattpad. People who are addicted to Wattpad feel compelled to read stories and post their own stories and comment on others’ stories. People with Wattpad addiction can spend hours on the website, neglecting other important activities in their life. They may become preoccupied with the website, lose track of time, or become irritable if they are unable to access it.

What is considered wattpad addiction?

• 1. Feeling preoccupied with the platform, such as constantly checking for new updates or stories.
• 2. Spending an excessive amount of time online, often at the expense of other activities.
• 3. Becoming easily agitated when unable to access Wattpad or when experiencing technical difficulties.
• 4. Neglecting other activities or responsibilities to spend more time on Wattpad.
• 5. Developing a tolerance and needing to spend more time on Wattpad to feel the same level of satisfaction.
• 6. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when not on Wattpad.
• 7. Making unsuccessful attempts to cut down or limit time spent on the platform.
• 8. Spending money on Wattpad-related items, such as in-app purchases or merchandise.

How much wattpad is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual and their lifestyle. Generally speaking, if you find that your wattpad activity is taking away from other important aspects of your life, such as family, school, or work, then it may be a sign that you are spending too much time on wattpad.

Some Online entertainment addiction facts & statistics

Online entertainment addiction is a growing concern as more and more people spend their time on the internet for entertainment purposes. Here are some statistics related to online entertainment addiction:

1. According to a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center, 26% of adults in the United States say they are “almost constantly” online.

2. A 2019 survey by Common Sense Media found that 50% of teens feel addicted to their mobile devices.

3. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that 14% of college students in China were addicted to online entertainment.

4. A 2020 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 10% of American adults had experienced internet addiction at some point in their lives.

5. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that social media use was associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety among young adults.

Overall, these statistics suggest that online entertainment addiction is a growing concern, especially among young people, and may have negative effects on mental health.

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Is the wattpad addiction widespread?

It is known that Wattpad has a large and active user base, with millions of people using the platform to read and write stories. Some users may become deeply invested in the stories they read and spend a significant amount of time on the platform, which could potentially lead to addiction-like behaviors. It’s important for individuals to recognize when their use of any platform is interfering with their daily life and take steps to address it if necessary.

Why is wattpad so addictive?

Wattpad is a highly engaging platform, full of stories that spark curiosity and imagination. The social aspect of the platform is also appealing, as readers can connect with other users, comment on stories, and join reading clubs. The vast selection of genres, styles, and stories from all over the world, along with the ability to create your own stories, makes Wattpad an addictive and enjoyable experience.

Possible causes of wattpad dependency

• 1. Easy Accessibility: One of the main causes of Wattpad addiction is its easy accessibility. With the free app available for iOS and Android, Wattpad can be accessed at any time and from any location. This makes it extremely easy for people to get hooked on the platform.
• 2. Engaging Content: Wattpad features a wide array of content, ranging from stories that cover all genres to articles and poems. This variety of content is extremely engaging, making it hard for people to put their devices down.
• 3. Sense of Community: Wattpad has a strong sense of community with its users. People can connect with each other through comments, likes, and messages, creating an environment that encourages people to come back.
• 4. Upvote System: The upvote system on Wattpad is a great way for users to get their work noticed, as well as increase their rankings on the platform. This encourages people to keep producing work, as well as keep coming back to see if their work has been upvoted.
• 5. Rewards: Wattpad offers rewards for its users, such as badges for reaching certain milestones. These rewards can be highly addictive, as people strive to achieve the awards.

Signs & Symptoms of wattpad addiction

Now let’s see if you have the wattpad addiction problem.

• 1. You spend hours scrolling through stories to find the perfect one to read.
• 2. You’ve created a profile and keep track of the stories you’ve read.
• 3. You often find yourself discussing wattpad with friends and family.
• 4. You’ve read stories in genres you never thought you’d be interested in.
• 5. You’ve written fan fiction for a beloved series.
• 6. You’ve followed authors on their other social media accounts.
• 7. You’ve created your own stories and are actively seeking feedback from readers.

What are some benefits of wattpad

Pros of Wattpad:

• 1. Free access to millions of stories: Wattpad offers its users to read stories for free. This means that readers do not have to pay for stories and can enjoy a huge variety of content without having to worry about cost.
• 2. Ability to connect with other readers and writers: Wattpad allows users to connect with each other, which makes it an excellent platform for writers to get feedback from their readers and gain followers. It’s also a great way for readers to find new friends and engage in discussions about their favorite books.
• 3. Promotes creativity: Wattpad encourages its users to write original stories and share them with the world. This gives writers a platform to express their creativity and develop their writing skills.
• 4. Provides resources and tips to writers: Wattpad provides its users with a variety of resources and tips to help writers develop their writing skills. This can be very beneficial for writers who are just starting out or who want to improve their writing.
• 5. Easy to use platform: Wattpad makes it easy to get started with writing. All you need to do is create an account and start writing. It’s also easy to find and follow other writers, as well as comment on their stories.

Overall, Wattpad is a great platform for writers, readers, and anyone who loves to read or write stories. It’s free, easy to use, and provides plenty of resources for writers to improve their skills.But at the opposite, what can be some wattpad addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

• 1. Lack of Sleep: Spending too much time on Wattpad can lead to a decrease in sleep and can have a negative impact on your overall health.
• 2. Inactivity: If you spend all your time on Wattpad, you may become more inactive and less likely to engage in physical activities, which can lead to weight gain and even obesity.
• 3. Stress: Spending too much time on Wattpad can be distracting and can increase your levels of stress. This can lead to health issues such as headaches and digestive problems.
• 4. Mental Health Issues: Reading negative stories or stories with triggering content can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

wattpad and sleep disorder

Reading on electronic devices before bed can potentially disrupt sleep patterns and cause sleep problems due to the blue light emitted by the screens. It is recommended to limit screen time before bed and engage in relaxing activities to promote better sleep. If you are experiencing sleep problems, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

wattpad affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of wattpad on your brain

1. Loss of concentration: Wattpad can be extremely addictive and can easily distract you from other important tasks. You may find yourself spending hours scrolling through stories and lose focus on other activities or tasks.

2. Poor sleep quality: As with any form of entertainment, using Wattpad late at night could interfere with your sleep quality. The bright screens and exciting stories could keep you from getting a good night’s rest.

3. Stress and anxiety: Reading stories on Wattpad can be a source of stress and anxiety, especially if you get too invested in the story and the characters. This can lead to feelings of stress and worry that can interfere with everyday life.

Some effects of wattpad on your mental health

• 1. Increased Anxiety: Reading stories on Wattpad can be emotionally draining and can cause anxiety. If the story is suspenseful or emotionally intense, it can cause the reader to become anxious and stressed.
• 2. Stress: The amount of time people spend on Wattpad can cause them to become overwhelmed, leading to stress.
• 3. Lack of Motivation: Reading stories on Wattpad can cause people to lose motivation to do other activities, such as studying or working.
• 4. Sleep Deprivation: People can become so engrossed in a story that they spend hours reading it, leading to sleep deprivation.
• 5. Neglecting Social Life: People can become so focused on the stories they are reading that they neglect their social life. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Does wattpad cause stress and anxiety?

Wattpad itself is not likely to cause stress or anxiety, as it is simply a platform for reading and sharing stories. However, if a person becomes overly invested in a story or feels pressure to constantly produce new content, they may experience stress or anxiety related to their use of Wattpad.

Additionally, reading certain genres or themes (such as horror or triggering topics) could potentially trigger stress or anxiety for some individuals. Overall, it is important for individuals to be mindful of their emotional well-being when using any online platform, including Wattpad.

Can wattpad addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, excessive use of Wattpad or any other online platform can lead to sadness and depression. Spending excessive time on Wattpad may cause individuals to neglect other important areas of their life, such as socializing with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in physical activity. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to depression.

Additionally, if an individual becomes too invested in the stories they read on Wattpad, they may experience disappointment or sadness when the story ends or when they are unable to find similar content. It is important to practice moderation and balance in all aspects of life, including online activity.

Dopamine and wattpad

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward in the brain. When we experience something pleasurable, such as reading a captivating story on Wattpad, dopamine is released in our brain, making us feel good and motivating us to continue engaging in that activity.

Wattpad, a platform for writers and readers to share and discover stories, can be particularly addictive for some individuals because of the way it allows readers to easily access a wide range of stories and connect with other users. The experience of finding a story that resonates with us, following the characters’ journeys, and receiving feedback and recognition from other users can all contribute to the release of dopamine in our brains, making us want to continue reading and engaging with the platform.

wattpad effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Here are some potential ways that Wattpad could affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance:

• 1. Distractions: If you spend too much time on Wattpad, it could distract you from other important tasks that require your attention and focus, such as studying, completing assignments, or working on projects.
• 2. Lack of productivity: Spending too much time on Wattpad could lead to a lack of productivity, as you may find it difficult to concentrate on important tasks and get things done.
• 3. Addiction: Some people may become addicted to Wattpad and spend excessive amounts of time reading stories, which could negatively impact their focus, productivity, and academic performance.
• 4. Poor time management: If you spend too much time on Wattpad, you may struggle with time management, leading to a lack of productivity and poor academic performance.
• 5. Lack of sleep: Reading stories on Wattpad late at night could lead to a lack of sleep, which could negatively impact focus, productivity, and academic performance the following day.

Overall, while reading on Wattpad can be a fun and entertaining pastime, it is important to be mindful of how much time you spend on the platform and make sure it does not negatively impact other areas of your life.

A word about ADHD and wattpad

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone with ADHD is different and may interact with Wattpad in different ways. However, some people with ADHD may find that Wattpad’s format of short, bite-sized chapters and stories is easier to engage with than longer, more complex texts. The social aspect of Wattpad, including the ability to connect with other readers and writers, may also be appealing to some people with ADHD who enjoy social interaction and feedback.

Additionally, the ability to customize the reading experience, such as changing font sizes and colors, may also be helpful for individuals with ADHD who struggle with reading and attention.

affecting your relationships

wattpad and self-esteem

Wattpad can affect self-esteem in both positive and negative ways.

Positive effects of Wattpad on self-esteem include:

• 1. Validation: When readers give positive feedback and comments on a writer’s work, it can boost their self-esteem and make them feel validated.
• 2. Creative expression: Writing and sharing stories on Wattpad can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem by allowing writers to express their creativity and share their ideas with others.
• 3. Community support: Being part of a community of writers and readers can provide a sense of belonging and support, which can boost self-esteem.

Negative effects of Wattpad on self-esteem include:

• 1. Comparison: Seeing other writers’ success and popularity on Wattpad can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.
• 2. Criticism: Negative feedback and comments on a writer’s work can damage their self-esteem and make them feel discouraged.
• 3. Obsession: Spending too much time on Wattpad can lead to neglecting other important aspects of life, which can lead to feelings of guilt and lower self-esteem.

Overall, Wattpad can affect self-esteem in both positive and negative ways, and it’s important for users to be aware of how it’s affecting them and to take steps to maintain a healthy balance.

wattpad addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, Wattpad addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to Wattpad, they may spend hours reading stories and engaging with the Wattpad community, neglecting their real-life relationships and responsibilities. This can lead to feelings of isolation as they become less connected with the people around them.

Additionally, spending too much time on Wattpad can lead to a lack of real-world experiences, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from the world around them. It is important to balance online activities with real-life interactions to avoid the negative effects of addiction.

Effects of wattpad on your relationship

Here are the possible positive and negative effects of Wattpad on a person’s relationship:

Positive effects:

• 1. Shared interests: If both partners enjoy reading and writing, they can share interests in the stories and authors they both like on Wattpad.
• 2. Increased communication: Discussing the stories and characters on Wattpad can lead to more conversations between partners and improve their communication skills.
• 3. Inspiration: Reading and writing stories on Wattpad can inspire partners to be more creative and imaginative with each other.

Negative effects:

• 1. Time-consuming: Being engrossed in Wattpad can lead to less time spent with partners, causing conflicts and misunderstandings.
• 2. Unrealistic expectations: Reading romantic stories on Wattpad can make some individuals develop unrealistic expectations of what a relationship should be like, leading to disappointment in real-life relationships.
• 3. Addiction: Addiction to Wattpad can lead to neglecting real-life responsibilities and relationships, causing strain and tension in personal relationships.

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Finally you think you are addicted to wattpad and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for wattpad?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your wattpad addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the wattpad addiction

• 1. Acknowledge your addiction: Admit to yourself that you have a problem and have an honest conversation with yourself about it.
• 2. Identify triggers: Identify the situations, feelings, and thoughts that lead to you engaging in the addictive behavior.
• 3. Limit your access to Wattpad: Delete the app from your phone, log out of the website on your computer, and unsubscribe from any emails.
• 4. Identify healthier alternatives: Find other activities or hobbies that can occupy your time and reduce your stress instead of Wattpad.
• 5. Talk to a trusted friend or family member: Talking to someone about your addiction can help you stay accountable and make it easier to fight the urge to go back to Wattpad.
• 6. Seek professional help: If your addiction is severe, you may need to seek professional help such as therapy or a support group.

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 wattpad:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of wattpad

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your wattpad 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:

More of the Digital Purge