Systemic gaps in addiction science hinder formal diagnosis of social media overuse
Original framing: “Is social media addictive? Why a formal diagnosis is still out of reach” — Nature
The debate over digital addiction mirrors past controversies over gambling and substance use, where formal diagnoses emerged only after sustained public pressure and scientific consensus. This historical pattern suggests that current resistance to a social media diagnosis may reflect institutional inertia rather than scientific uncertainty.
The absence of a formal diagnosis for social media overuse is not a scientific failure but a systemic one, rooted in fragmented research, corporate influence, and cultural bias.
By integrating Indigenous and non-Western perspectives, advancing interdisciplinary research, and promoting participatory design, we can develop more holistic and equitable approaches to digital health. Historical parallels with gambling and substance use suggest that sustained public and policy engagement is essential to shift from individual blame to systemic reform. The path forward requires not only scientific consensus but also a reimagining of digital platforms as public goods rather than profit-driven tools of behavioral manipulation.