The term "social network" refers both to a person's connections to other people in the real world and to a platform that supports online communication, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. The term is now used more often in the second sense, and the Internet provides an opportunity for anyone to create an online identity , connect with friends, family, and strangers alike, acquire knowledge, a
What Is Social Networking? (Plain Language Explanation)
Social Networking refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Social Networking
- Symptoms: The specific ways social networking shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen social networking
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When social networking occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Social Networking
- Social Networking is far more common than most people realize
- Social Networking is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with social networking see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about social networking is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing social networking, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.