#stop scrolling

I've been working on cutting back on idly checking socials and the shop. It's unnecessary because it's all on autopilot, and wasting my time.

I saw a video about a guy replacing the urge to scroll with writing, and he wrote down the time and date and why he wanted to scroll in a notebook every time he had the urge and it helped a lot.

I'm starting a small sketchbook and doing a doodle each time I want to scroll unnecessarily. It is also to overcome this weird friction with drawing, like it has to be for something (socials or business).

every platform wants your attention because your attention = profit. tiktok, youtube, even your student portal — everything’s designed to keep you scrolling, spending, or stressing. time is a resource. start protecting it like your money.

but what does that actually mean?

it means that you’re not the customer on most apps — you’re the product. companies profit by selling your attention and data to advertisers. algorithms are designed to hijack your brain’s reward system—likes, follows, autoplay, endless scroll. none of that is an accident.

recently, the ftc hosted a 2025 workshop called “the attention economy: how big tech firms exploit kids and hurt families,” highlighting how platforms intentionally hook users.

studies show that 1 in 5 teens spends over 2 hours daily on tiktok—over recommended limits—and higher usage is linked to anxiety and lower self-esteem.

researchers also warn that algorithmic amplification (like tiktok’s for-you feed) fuels compulsive use by reinforcing targeted content deep into feeds.

here’s how to take your attention back and why it matters:

1. delete one app every weekend. just for two days. a brief digital detox, like removing social media apps over a weekend, can reduce stress and improve focus.

2. if you wouldn’t pay to see it, don’t give it your full attention. time is a resource—if content wouldn’t earn your money, don’t give your attention. treat it like currency.

3. make your phone boring. moving apps off your home screen and switching your phone to grayscale can reduce its addictive pull .

4. start “micro budgeting” your attention. time-blocking your screen use—like budgeting money—improves control and awareness over where your time goes .

5. set one hour a week as “no input” time. intentionally unplugged time helps spark creativity and mental clarity.

6. stop doomscrolling as “being informed.” reading endless crisis content at night increases anxiety—limiting you to scheduled, credible news consumption is healthier.

7. pay attention to what content energizes or drains you. teens who develop awareness of what content affects their mental health can proactively curate their online feeds.

your attention is your mental energy, your focus, your time. tech companies spend billions trying to hijack it. you don’t have to quit the internet — but you should treat your attention like money. once you give it away, you can’t get it back.

and your future, your mind, and your goals deserve better. sources:

federal trade commission. the attention economy: how big tech firms exploit children and hurt families. workshop, federal trade commission, 4 june 2025, ftc.gov/news-events/events/2025/06/attention-economy-tech-firms-exploit-children. accessed 25 june 2025.

bilali, angeliki, et al. “association between tiktok use and anxiety, depression, and sleepiness among adolescents: a cross‑sectional study in greece.” pediatric reports, vol. 17, no. 2, 2025, p. 34, doi:10.3390/pediatric17020034.

“teens, social media and mental health.” pew research center, 22 apr. 2025, pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/. accessed 25 june 2025.

hey there my beauties!

with how fast every single day goes by, and with the vast access of information given to us by technology, it's hard not to get into the temptation of doom-scrolling in order to avoid your problems.

i can say by personal experience that said problems might not even be that big. it can start by a simple task you have to get done, maybe washing the dishes or doing your homework. my tendency is always to pick up my phone and doomscroll the chores away. the issue with this is, not only you get behind on your taks, therefore creating bigger, more stressful problems, but you also get addicted to the feeling of instant gratitude your phone gives you.

you might find yourself skipping simple chores first, maybe you pass up on one or two homework due dates. then you skip skincare, because maybe you're in your bed already, your sheets are so cozy and that one tiktok video really can't wait. the snowball effect goes as far as having you skipping meals, plans with friends, hobbie time or even basic hygine in the worst cases.. you end up becoming your phone's minion without even realising.

we've all been there, deeper in it or not, and it's no shame. but it's up to us to make a change. break the cycle, take care of yourself and have the courage to ask for help.

personally, i'm at a point in my life where there's a lot of change going on. it's stressful, and so, so easy to get caught up in the 'beauty' of the endless scrolls.

it's hard to let go of something so present in your routine, but i know that you can do this.

stop scrolling for a moment and take a deep breath…good job, can you do a couple more? excellent! get some water if you’re thirsty (or even if you’re not), a snack if you’re hungry, and your meds if it’s time to take them! alright, you can keep scrolling now <3 and here’s a gold star for taking care of yourself ⭐️

…DAMN you’re hot

Wanted to remind you in case no one’s told you today