Stop Mindlessly Scrolling and Start Reading Instead: A Call to Action
Written on
Chapter 1: The Trap of Social Media
Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through social media, merely to fill moments of boredom or procrastination? It’s a common scenario. After spending thirty minutes to an hour on these platforms, you might realize that you haven't absorbed anything truly beneficial. This is a widespread issue in today's world, and it’s important not to be too hard on yourself—recognizing it is the first step toward improvement.
The reality of social media addiction affects individuals across all age groups. Did you know that approximately six new Facebook accounts are created every second?
No matter the platform, the algorithms designed by engineers and developers are increasingly adept at keeping us engaged for longer periods. However, we have the power to combat this trend. The first step? Opt for reading instead.
The Comfort of Our Devices
There was a time when I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort simply by holding my phone. It may sound irrational, but it’s a reality for many.
Recent studies show that around 40% of individuals aged 8 to 22 report feeling "somewhat addicted" to social media. Yes, that includes children as young as eight! The percentage drops to 32% for those between 23 and 38. According to truelist.com, some teenagers may spend over nine hours daily on various platforms. This excessive screen time is associated with increased rates of depression, relationship troubles, traffic incidents, FOMO (fear of missing out), sleep disturbances, and low self-esteem, with severe cases leading to suicidal thoughts.
How to Alleviate Social Media's Impact
The solution is straightforward—read more. And I don’t mean browsing Instagram captions, Reddit threads, or outdated YouTube comments. I mean genuinely engaging with substantial content. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical book; the key is to find material that enriches your mind.
Today, consider choosing Medium over Twitter during your idle moments. You may find that this choice provides more emotional satisfaction and intellectual stimulation than the mind-numbing scroll through social media.
Check out some highlights from the week of January 3rd for The Orange Journal. Despite delays due to my illness, I assure you that engaging with these stories will be far more fulfilling than mindlessly scrolling for half an hour.
The Orange Journal Features: Week of January 3rd
Discovering Your Purpose
Finding meaning in everyday moments.
Written by Sam Ochstein: As we navigate our lives, we often grapple with how to fulfill our destiny while fearing that we may stray from our true passions. Have you ever thought that we are the architects of our own purpose and meaning?
Meditating with Self-Acceptance
Overcoming self-judgment during meditation.
Written by E. Katherine Kottaras: Engaging in a virtual meditation group has allowed Katherine to forge deep connections and learn to embrace her self-image, regardless of societal expectations. This piece is particularly valuable for anyone struggling with body image.
Finding Joy the Japanese Way
Embracing the "warm fuzzies."
Written by Katerina Zitta: We all cherish experiences, places, and people that evoke warmth and happiness. The Japanese term "Natsukashii" encapsulates this feeling beautifully. This lighthearted read explores words in Japanese that express profound emotions.
Transforming Anxiety into Creativity
Channeling anxiety into productive outlets.
Written by Selin O?uz: Selin shares practical strategies to harness anxiety as a source of creativity. Taking control of your thoughts may seem daunting, but focusing on your mental state can yield remarkable results.
Recognizing Change Over Time
Understanding subtle transformations.
Written by Lya CG: Often, we overlook gradual changes in our lives until we look back a year later. However, each day brings opportunities for transformation, no matter how small.
Thank you for joining us! We appreciate your support and encourage you to share your thoughts on your favorite stories from this week. Connect with fellow writers, engage, and help The Orange Journal thrive. Remember, keep writing!
Chapter 2: The Negative Effects of Mindless Scrolling
Discover the effects of mindlessly scrolling on your brain and mental health in this insightful video.
Chapter 3: Practical Solutions to Break the Habit
Learn effective strategies to curb mindless scrolling and reclaim your time with this helpful video.