Every pause, swipe and second spent watching a reel feeds social media algorithms built to keep users engaged. As a result, daily phone usage has become harder to control, blurring the line between casual scrolling and habitual dependence for many.
According to the Cereus Journal of Medical Science, frequent engagement with platforms alters dopamine pathways that are a critical component in reward processing. These pathways can foster a dependency parallel to substance addiction. Despite this, many individuals are actively trying to break the cycle of compulsive phone use by detoxing through spending time in real-life activities away from screens.
Many find the algorithm enforcing new ideas, perceptions and information, although it may not be backed up with factual or scientific evidence. Library Media Assistant Carol Bamsch stated how algorithms create a narrative that may be false.
“Because it’s an algorithm, you get a distorted view of what the world thinks,” Bamsch said. “I don’t know sometimes what’s true because you get one viewpoint coming in after a while, so you think the whole world thinks that way.”
Although scrolling can trigger a false dopamine rush, many are choosing to stop consuming content and instead spend their time on hobbies and skills that provide satisfaction. Junior Kanoa Lindsey, who is learning card tricks and creates short films, found focusing on various tasks rewarding.
“Just trying something new, like doing card tricks, I can focus on that,” Lindsey said. “When I get it, it just feels so much better than if I was scrolling. It’s something I can do, it’s something I can be good at and it’s learning an actual skill.”
While social media can be seen as a negative contributor to mental health, some find it useful to relieve their stress. Senior Aparna Nair sees media apps as beneficial and feels less stressed out when using them.
“It’s definitely positive because when I’m stressed out, I like to go on social media,” Nair said. “I know most of the people have the exact opposite because there’s a lot of negativity, but it also helps me take off my stress more.”
Social networking apps can also be seen as a useful tool to learn about various topics. Bamsch found herself using YouTube to teach herself how to fix something.
“You can go online on YouTube (and search) how to fix this, and you have to find the right people,” Bamsch said. “I fixed so many things. I’ve taken my dryer completely apart twice. I’ve taken my washing machine apart to fix it.”
Social media is most significantly used to stay connected with friends and family, engage with others via the comment sections and find digital communities. Lindsey creates group chats to stay better connected with friends.
“The social part of it has helped me because it helps me connect with my friends a lot more, and we’re able to make group chats or communicate a lot better,” Lindsey said.
Although some individuals see social media as negative forms of technological consumption, others are learning to reframe how they perceive social media and use it as tools. Freshman Sira Valui stated how in the future she will use it as resources for connection and communication while setting guidelines in her usage.
“I’ll still use it as a tool for connection, creativity and staying updated, but I’ll be more intentional about how much time I spend and what kind of content I engage with,” Valui said.
Individuals ultimately encourage better management with social media. Like Valui, Lindsey mentioned the importance of moderation and not completely going off it.
“Just manage it. Everything comes with moderation. Don’t swing so far on being on your phone or being off your phone. Just be balanced,” Lindsey said.
Rather than fully removing social media out of an individual’s daily lifestyle, others are suggesting a different approach. Valui shared how important social media has become to society but suggested a different perception of how individuals use and see social media.
“In this generation, social media is essential for communication, self-expression, school and staying informed. The goal isn’t disconnection, but learning how to use it intentionally and in a healthy way,” Valui said.