I really need to take a leaf out of your book. Scrolling is definitely numbing and frying - but I think we are so used to using it precisely to numb, because it's a quick bit of short term dopamine. And it's so accessible - when I'm in need of a 5 minute break at work I can't really pull out a book in front of all my colleagues, but a quick scroll seems acceptable. The long term cost definitely isn't worth it though - thanks for the nudge!
I’m trying, but I’m definitely not there yet. However, just deciding not to do it is such a huge mindset shift. I think we need to to find the courage to “un-numb”. Brave the discomfort of being alone with our thoughts and feelings. I was waiting for friends outside a restaurant today and I forced myself not to look at my phone. I made myself just stand there and be bored. It might not be revolutionary, but little moments like that cleanse my mind and bring me insights and clarity.
I particularly relate to your observation that scrolling isn’t relaxing. It’s actually anxiety inducing. At the very least it speeds up our heartbeat.
Yet most people perhaps scroll for that reason. A bit of numbing the mind. Because what do we actually hope to find?
I also use SM for business purposes and for connecting with other vegans, nature lovers, substandard enthusiasts etc. And sometimes I come across a gem (like finding you on LinkedIn!).
Or being even made aware that there is such a thing as Substack 😂.
But these days I have 1 day a week of no Social media, and I have lately intuitively implemented your tip of asking why am I here and what am I aiming to do.
It’s a bit like looking at my desire for a glass of wine or beer: do I want this from a relaxed place and a desire for the taste? Or do I want it because I feel stressed or otherwise in need to numb the senses. If it’s the latter I abstain.
Thanks for your thoughts. Let’s not outlaw social media but rather use it with brains engaged. 😊
Yes, so many of us need it for our work, which makes quitting difficult and perhaps not entirely beneficial. I love that comparison to alcohol. A little of it can indeed make life more fun. But it’s contingent on the correct mindset, mindful use, and not overdoing it.
Yes! to all of this! It's a love-hate relationship for me. I think the key is to treat it like a job, a work task. It's not a reflection of how I feel or who I am. It's a part of me, but it's not the entirety. As far as endlessly scrolling and memory loss -ugh, yes to this too. I could definitely use more time playing my ukulele. reading anything and less time scrolling.
Yes to treating it like a work task. I still post stuff occasionally - I'm just working really hard on not getting caught up in the endless scrolling. We might feel like we're giving ourselves a break when scrolling, and that doing something like reading or playing an instrument is something we're "too tired" for. But let's remember then that scrolling isn't actually relaxing. In reality, it exhausts us even more.
I really need to take a leaf out of your book. Scrolling is definitely numbing and frying - but I think we are so used to using it precisely to numb, because it's a quick bit of short term dopamine. And it's so accessible - when I'm in need of a 5 minute break at work I can't really pull out a book in front of all my colleagues, but a quick scroll seems acceptable. The long term cost definitely isn't worth it though - thanks for the nudge!
I’m trying, but I’m definitely not there yet. However, just deciding not to do it is such a huge mindset shift. I think we need to to find the courage to “un-numb”. Brave the discomfort of being alone with our thoughts and feelings. I was waiting for friends outside a restaurant today and I forced myself not to look at my phone. I made myself just stand there and be bored. It might not be revolutionary, but little moments like that cleanse my mind and bring me insights and clarity.
I particularly relate to your observation that scrolling isn’t relaxing. It’s actually anxiety inducing. At the very least it speeds up our heartbeat.
Yet most people perhaps scroll for that reason. A bit of numbing the mind. Because what do we actually hope to find?
I also use SM for business purposes and for connecting with other vegans, nature lovers, substandard enthusiasts etc. And sometimes I come across a gem (like finding you on LinkedIn!).
Or being even made aware that there is such a thing as Substack 😂.
But these days I have 1 day a week of no Social media, and I have lately intuitively implemented your tip of asking why am I here and what am I aiming to do.
It’s a bit like looking at my desire for a glass of wine or beer: do I want this from a relaxed place and a desire for the taste? Or do I want it because I feel stressed or otherwise in need to numb the senses. If it’s the latter I abstain.
Thanks for your thoughts. Let’s not outlaw social media but rather use it with brains engaged. 😊
Yes, so many of us need it for our work, which makes quitting difficult and perhaps not entirely beneficial. I love that comparison to alcohol. A little of it can indeed make life more fun. But it’s contingent on the correct mindset, mindful use, and not overdoing it.
Yes! to all of this! It's a love-hate relationship for me. I think the key is to treat it like a job, a work task. It's not a reflection of how I feel or who I am. It's a part of me, but it's not the entirety. As far as endlessly scrolling and memory loss -ugh, yes to this too. I could definitely use more time playing my ukulele. reading anything and less time scrolling.
Yes to treating it like a work task. I still post stuff occasionally - I'm just working really hard on not getting caught up in the endless scrolling. We might feel like we're giving ourselves a break when scrolling, and that doing something like reading or playing an instrument is something we're "too tired" for. But let's remember then that scrolling isn't actually relaxing. In reality, it exhausts us even more.