|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Social media has taken the reins; it controls you more than you control it. While the internet offers many benefits, such as connecting people, providing access to information, and letting you share your life, an alarming trend has emerged: mindlessly scrolling through endless feeds and videos, also known as doomscrolling.
Before you know it, you’re hooked on the latest addictive substance: social media. In this article, we’ll explore this new addiction known as doomscrolling.
The Impact of Doomscrolling
1. Self-comparison
People start comparing themselves with others. The Internet makes up 0.1% of someone’s life. People use that 0.1% as a mode of comparison to affect 90% of their emotional health. 
2. Inferiority complex
Low self-esteem and a major inferiority complex. Constantly feeling like others are ahead of you. Watching others achieve and feeling like you are not good enough.
3. Elevated negativity and decreased productivity
The majority of your time is spent watching videos. The one-minute video watch time converts to 2 hours of endless scrolling. The feeling of stress and a sense of helplessness haunt the mind.
4. Procrastination
Spending time on your socials leads to avoidance and the practice of procrastination. Escaping reality and constantly ignoring the actual work that needs to be done. Work and personal responsibilities are affected. Being aware that you have work to finish yet choosing not to do it.
5. Access to unnecessary information
Being exposed to information that does not concern you. You get interested in the lives of others while losing track of your own. Out of every 10 videos you watch, 8 of them are not relevant to you at that moment.
6. Lack of meaningful connections
Spending excess time on apps can replace face-to-face interactions. This does not fulfill deep and meaningful connections. The youth have started feeling isolated because of social media. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 22 are the loneliest age group. This age group comprises a majority of users across all social media applications.
If there are problems, there are solutions.
Three Simple Ways to Break Free from Constant Scrolling
1. Mental Detox
Filter out content. You become what you consume. Unfollow people and accounts that don’t make you feel good daily. Getting rid of any kind of content that makes you feel inferior is important.
2. Replacing mindless scrolling with intentional scrolling
The mental diet is as important as the physical diet. Consuming good content will shape the way you think. Instead of junk food, customize your feed with healthy recipes. Instead of memes, replace them with self-love content.
Practice intentional scrolling, not mindless scrolling. The creators who add value to you, only keep them in your feed. In this way, your content also keeps you in check. Customize your feed towards things that push you to take and not pull you to become a couch potato.
3. Find other things to do
The moment you see yourself scrolling for more than a minute, start dancing. Create alternative habits for yourself to replace the endless use of phones. Push yourself to engage in offline activities. Spend time with friends outside the rectangle screens.
Take Charge of Your Social Media Use—Don’t Let It Take Charge of You
Doomscrolling has become a modern-day addiction, with serious consequences for our emotional and mental well-being. It’s essential to recognize when social media starts dictating your thoughts and actions.
Regaining control over your digital consumption is vital. Setting boundaries, curating your content, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional help are all effective ways to break free from the cycle. Remember, prioritizing your mental health and well-being is crucial in this digital age.
Take control of your social media and do not let social media control you.
