Center for Young Women's Health
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How can I tell if I'm spending too much time using online social networks?

Online social networks are a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family, but if you're having trouble logging off, there's a good chance you're spending way too much time on them.

Take the following quiz to find out if you should be concerned.

Answer the questions in each section, then click “Get my results”.

  1. Are online social networks the main way you communicate with your friends?
    • Yes. When I want to talk to my friends, I always try to reach them through online social networks first.
    • Sometimes. On some days I only use online social networks to communicate with my friends.
    • No. If I want to get in touch with my friends I'll call or text them.
  2. Do you check your online social networks when you are in class or at work?
    • Yes. I can't seem to focus in class or at work unless I check them.
    • Sometimes. On some days I can't resist spending a lot of time checking and updating my online social networks at school or work.
    • No. I don't feel the need to check them while I'm in school or working; it can wait until later.
  3. When doing homework or studying for a test, do you find that you spend more time checking your online social networks than thinking about your school work?
    • Yes. I am always checking an online social network even when I'm doing homework or studying.
    • Sometimes. On some days I can't seem to focus on my homework and I end up spending more time checking my online social networks instead of studying.
    • No. I don't check my online social networks when I am doing homework or studying for a test.
  4. Do you feel that you have to constantly update your online social networks?
    • Yes. I constantly feel the need to share what I'm doing, thinking or worrying about on an online social network.
    • Sometimes. On some days I feel the need to constantly check and update my online social networks.
    • No. I don't share much about my personal life or feel the need to constantly update my online social networks.
  5. If you couldn't check your online social networks for a full day would you be able to concentrate on other activities?
    • Yes. I definitely would be able to do other things.
    • Most likely. I would probably feel frustrated at first but then I would find something else to do.
    • No. I would be too busy thinking about who's been trying to contact me and mad that I couldn't update my status.
   

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

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