Ever get that nagging feeling you should be productive but you catch yourself getting sucked into a mindless scroll through social media? It’s funny, sometimes I hear advice about the dangers of endless scrolling… right as I’m swiping through my feed.
But hold on, isn’t amusement important? Social media can be a great source of entertainment.
The key is to be intentional about how we use social media. I don’t believe the problem lies in entertainment itself, but in balancing it with mindful consumption. Yes, pleasures like comedy and storytelling are crucial, and I can feel good about partaking in the fantastically put-together videos and images in my timeline. I even learn a lot with the information in my feed.
But the only way I don’t get sucked into a mindless scroll and lose myself, and my time, is by being mindful of my consumption. Mindfulness can involve checking in with myself and asking if this content is truly engaging or just mindless entertainment.
What becomes an issue is when endless scrolling replaces deep engagement, or curated feeds create unrealistic expectations, or social isolation creeps in, leaving us feeling worse, not better. I need to be mindful about my use of devices to avoid these traps. I might even set a timer to ensure social media enhances, not consumes, my leisure time. Maybe I can replace some scrolling with activities that bring me more joy, like reading a book or calling a friend.
Social media can be a fun part of life, but it shouldn’t take over. I think it’s ok to scroll as long as we’re also taking care of our needs and minding our time.
ACTION: At the start of the day, decide when and how long you will engage in social media browsing. Setting a timer can be a great way to stick to your plan!
