Understanding YouTube Addiction: Causes, Signs, and Solutions

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a specialist in psychosocial rehabilitation, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

YouTube addiction describes a compulsive urge to watch videos on YouTube excessively, disrupting everyday responsibilities and social interactions. This article delves into the warning signs, root causes, consequences, and treatment options for this behavioral issue, along with guidance on where to seek help if you suspect you are affected.

Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), does not formally classify YouTube addiction as a mental health disorder, many professionals advocate for recognizing it alongside other internet-related behavioral addictions.

Recognizing the Signs of YouTube Addiction

Since YouTube addiction lacks official diagnostic criteria, consider your viewing habits excessive if you experience any of the following:

• Spending most of your time watching, anticipating, or planning to watch YouTube videos
• Feeling compelled to watch videos to improve your mood
• Continuing to watch despite negative impacts on your life
• Finding it difficult to reduce viewing time even when you want to
• Neglecting important responsibilities such as work, family, or school
• Concealing your YouTube watching habits from others
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anger, or sadness when attempting to stop

Understanding YouTube Addiction

Many individuals describe their urge to watch YouTube videos as addictive. This behavior may be categorized as a behavioral addiction, which involves dependence on specific actions rather than substances.

Behavioral addictions, aside from gambling disorder, remain debated among psychologists regarding their classification as true addictions. However, internet gaming disorder was recognized in the DSM-5 in 2013 as a condition warranting further study.

What Causes YouTube Addiction?

Similar to other behavioral addictions, watching YouTube videos can trigger short-term brain rewards. Over time, some people lose control over their viewing habits, continuing excessive consumption despite adverse effects.

This behavior might manifest as watching videos at inappropriate times, such as during social outings, or in unsuitable settings like the workplace, interfering with daily responsibilities.

Because these habits develop gradually, it can be difficult to recognize their disruptive impact until significant time has passed. For example, initial purposeful viewing can evolve into habitual watching during boredom or solitude, eventually leading to prolonged sessions that consume hours without notice.

The vast array of video content and personalized recommendations make it challenging to disengage, as new videos continuously capture your interest.

The Effects of YouTube Addiction

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic condition involving complex interactions between genetics, brain function, environment, and life experiences.

This framework includes compulsive engagement in rewarding activities like watching YouTube, which persist despite harmful consequences.

Is It Truly an Addiction?

Whether excessive YouTube watching qualifies as an addiction depends on symptom severity and life impact. Even if not classified as addiction, problematic viewing can disrupt relationships, work performance, and daily functioning.

Seeking Help and Managing YouTube Addiction

If your YouTube habits interfere with responsibilities or relationships, consulting a mental health professional can provide tailored treatment and coping strategies. Therapy may also address underlying mental health issues contributing to compulsive viewing.

Research indicates individuals with behavioral addictions often experience higher rates of anxiety, mood disorders, and substance use compared to the general population.

Alongside professional support, consider these self-help tips to reduce excessive YouTube use:

• Set daily time limits for watching videos to avoid overindulgence
• Disable autoplay to prevent continuous video streaming
• Use reminders to take breaks after set intervals
• Reward yourself with video time after completing tasks
• Engage in alternative activities like hobbies, exercise, or socializing

Final Thoughts from Verywell

YouTube offers valuable entertainment and information, but excessive viewing can develop into a behavioral problem. Recognizing and managing your viewing habits can restore balance to your life.

If self-management is challenging, seeking advice from a mental health expert can provide effective support and guidance.

• Conditions A-Z
• Addiction

References

1. Bozoglan B, ed. Psychological, Social, and Cultural Aspects of Internet Addiction: IGI Global; 2018. doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-3477-8
2. Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, et al. Behavioral addiction versus substance addiction: Correspondence of psychiatric and psychological views. Int J Prev Med. 2012;3(4):290–294.
3. Robbins TW, Clark L. Behavioral addictions. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2015;30:66-72. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2014.09.005
4. Petry NM, Zajac K, Ginley MK. Behavioral addictions as mental disorders: To be or not to be? Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2018;14:399–423. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032816-045120
5. American Society of Addiction Medicine. Definition of addiction.
6. Starcevic V, Khazaal Y. Relationships between behavioural addictions and psychiatric disorders: What is known and what is yet to be learned? Front Psychiatry. 2017;8:53. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00053

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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