In the age of technology we’re currently living in, one might think that our devices exist to make our lives easier and more efficient, performing tasks like research, communication and more in mere seconds. However, as social media applications have developed over the years and our attention spans have subsequently shortened, short-form content has skyrocketed in popularity. This has led to a phenomenon known as ‘doomscrolling,’ wherein an individual may spend hours upon hours scrolling through their ‘for you page,’ the dopamine rush of flashy, fast-paced content capturing their eyes in a zombie-like trance.
This description might sound like an exaggeration, but doomscrolling is actually a habit that many, both young and old, struggle with. The ‘screenagers’ of the 2010s have evolved into screen addicts, and according to a 2021 analysis published by Cambridge University Press, “…governments have declared internet addiction a major public health concern, and the World Health Organization has characterized excessive internet use as a growing problem.”
Screen addiction can be a serious issue, especially for individuals that already struggle with procrastination and/or time management. However, like any other form of addiction, making even small changes in the way you approach your internet usage can help avoid the habit of scrolling.
A good place to start is to consider the type of content you are looking for in the first place. If you’re looking for a source of entertainment, long-form content may be a better choice, as it can help with being mindful of the amount and type of content you’re consuming. If you’ve stumbled down a rabbit hole and want to learn more about a subject without consuming dozens of scattered, minute-long videos, a video essay might be what you’re looking for.
Alternatively, some individuals enjoy scrolling simply because it’s a thoughtless activity that lets their brain rest while keeping their eyes entertained. It’s an incredibly easy way to produce large amounts of dopamine but can be less rewarding long-term because you don’t have to work for it. For these people, I recommend meditation, the acquisition of a screen-free hobby or a mix of both.
Meditation can be a great way to help reduce anxiety and clear your head. Combined with a new hobby that engages your brain and rewards you with a sense of accomplishment as you progress, this can be a healthy alternative to what people look for in doomscrolling.
As a study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) explains, “Americans who rate their mental health as very good or excellent tend to engage in creative activities more frequently than those who rate their mental health as fair or poor.”
It can be incredibly difficult to break a habit as addictive as doomscrolling, but it’s both very possible and incredibly rewarding when you choose to do so. Taking back control of your time sounds like a simple thing, but it can have a major impact on your mental health and overall happiness. So if you’re looking to start working on curbing this behavior, you might want to look for the right content or hobby to help you out.
