7 Signs You Need a Social Media Intervention

Thanks to changes in technology and social media, cell phones and computers now feel like a necessity rather than a privilege. If you're a millennial, then you will probably relate to this article by Kristina Waters — a marketing manager based in Canada — in which she explains why it's so easy to become addicted to technology these days.

There are many articles circulating around about how millennials are basically becoming, if not already, addicted to technology. While some may try to argue that they are "social" technology users or they are, in fact, not addicted, they are liars . . . or they are terrified to admit to their addiction.

Fact: I check my phone the second I wake up.

It's almost as if it's part of my morning ritual. While some may stretch their legs or yawn like a lion, I simply roll to the side of my bed where my phone has been all night and catch up on the activities I have missed while asleep. I check everything, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and, of course, I can't forget checking on my clan in Clash of Clans.

Fact: I check my phone before I can sleep.

No matter how long the day has been, I need to check up on all my social media accounts . . . and my clan. I could have worked all day, run a marathon, and painted the house, I will still check my phone before I go to sleep . . . I have to.

Fact: I need to be caught up on Instagram.

Generally speaking, I will check Instagram throughout the day, knowing full well that if I go too long without checking I will have too many posts to catch up on. However, in the case that it has been a busy day at work or . . . God forbid I had no service, I will spend as long as it takes to make sure I scan through all the Instagram posts until I see one that I had already seen.

Fact: Some days I Snapchat more than I text.

Anyone who is my friend on Snapchat or hangs out with me in person knows I am constantly Snapchatting (yes, I use that as a verb). It's 100 percent true that some days that's the only way I talk to people. The perk of Snapchat is that I can keep messages short and I can look ridiculous in the process.

Fact: When a big event happens, I'm secretly thinking of hashtags I can use.

Whether it's a concert, social gathering, convention, or I'm getting froyo, I'm planning . . . in my head of course, what kind of photos I can take to post online. A photo without hashtags is like a hamburger without ketchup. The photo seems empty and incomplete without a meticulously thought-out punny hashtag. They go together like two peas in a pod.

Fact: My phone never leaves my side.

Whether I have my phone in my purse, my pocket, or tucked in the top of my leggings because they have no pockets, my phone is never far. Even when I sleep, my phone stays right beside my pillow, for the "just in case" I need that at 2 a.m.

Fact: Forgetting my phone is the end of the world.

When I used to go in for my eight-hour shift at Starbucks, my first break would come, I would go into my purse to get my phone . . . and then panic! Where did it go? Did I lose it? What happens if someone needs me? I wonder if anyone notices I'm not answering? All ridiculous thoughts — however, they uncontrollably happen. Then, I must reach into the back of my brain to actually remember a phone number and call my mom to let her know I do not have my cell phone.

Despite my addiction, at the end of the workday, when I shut down my laptop and turn off emails, I do visit the great outdoors. Whether it's for a run (where I am never without my iPod), a softball game (where my phone is neatly placed at the top of my bag so I can see if anyone messaged me), a round of golf (guilty, phone is in an easy-to-reach pocket), or swimming (technology doesn't like water . . . or at least my devices do not).

Are you a tech addict? I'd love for you to share your crazy stories in the comments!