“Bedsores”.. What do you know about this deceptive phenomenon?

Experts are sounding the alarm about a dangerous phenomenon called “bedsores,” which has become a challenge on social media platforms, especially TikTok. So, what is this phenomenon? Should we be concerned about it?

In recent days, several social media users have been sharing videos of themselves sitting on their beds with their mobile phones and snacks for extended periods, longer than usual for a normal person. This behavior reveals, according to mental health specialists interviewed by “Sky News Arabia,” what leads individuals to fall into this behavior and the chances of escaping from it.

What is “bedsores”?

Psychiatrist Dr. Jamal Frouz explains the concept of “bedsores” as “sitting in front of computers or smartphones for long periods while neglecting social life.” Frouz attributes this behavior to “electronic addiction,” which leads individuals to neglect “study, work, social relationships, and to distance themselves and isolate from society.” This ultimately leads to “failure in all aspects” and individuals becoming prisoners of the “virtual world.”

Psychiatrist Dr. Ahmed Al-Am agrees with his colleague Frouz in defining this concept, explaining that some people resort to “bedsores” to escape from life’s problems and immerse themselves in the world of television, mobile phones, and social media applications.

However, this escape, which gives individuals a deceptive and temporary sense of comfort, later results in other problems in their lives, both psychological and social. These problems can include severe depression, fear of people and society, and disruptions in their movements and interactions, according to Al-Am.

Is there a solution?

Frouz advises anyone who recognizes this phenomenon in themselves to distance themselves from all social media platforms for at least three weeks. If necessary, they may seek treatment at a clinic under the supervision of a specialized doctor to return to a normal life.

Al-Am also points out other activities that individuals affected by this phenomenon can engage in to divert their attention away from excessive immersion, such as engaging in sports, reading books, and enjoying entertaining activities outside the virtual electronic world.