Let’s be real—sometimes I feel like I live on my phone or computer. I pick it up “just to check” something, and before I know it, an hour has passed. And while I’ve always known that too much screen time isn’t great for my eyes, I recently started thinking more about how it’s affecting my brain and, honestly, my mental health. I wanted to dive deeper into this—and I’m glad I did. The impact goes way beyond just being physically drained. It’s actually changing the way we think, feel, and interact with the world.
Dopamine: The "Feel-Good" Chemical
Every time we scroll through social media, watch a video, or get a notification, our brain releases a burst of dopamine. If you’re not familiar with dopamine, it’s that feel-good chemical that rewards us for things that feel satisfying. It’s why you might feel a tiny rush when you get a like on your post or a new message. It’s rewarding, right?
But the problem is that these quick dopamine hits can become addictive. Your brain starts craving more and more of those small bursts of instant gratification. Over time, that constant stream of rewards rewires your brain to crave that quick payoff.
For me, I started noticing that it was getting harder to focus on things that didn’t give me an instant reward. Reading a book? It felt like a chore compared to the fast-paced thrill of scrolling. Even finishing a task at work didn’t feel as satisfying. The more I gave in to the phone’s lure, the more my attention span shrank.
Social Media: The Comparison Trap
I’ll be the first to admit it: I’ve had those moments where I scroll through social media and feel a pang of envy or even frustration. You know the feeling: seeing everyone else’s “perfect” life, thinking they’ve got it all together, while you’re just trying to make it through the day. But I’ve learned that this constant comparison isn’t just a minor annoyance—it actually messes with our brain’s chemistry, too.
While in-person interactions boost oxytocin (the hormone that makes us feel connected and loved), social media has the opposite effect. Instead of making you feel more connected, it can actually make you feel more isolated. That’s because we’re only seeing snippets of other people’s lives, and most of the time, those snippets are edited to look flawless. But our brains can’t always differentiate between what’s real and what’s staged.
Pause, Breathe, Reset
The reality is, in today’s digital world, it’s so easy to get caught in the cycle of mindless scrolling. But I’ve found that giving myself a chance to step away, reset, and reconnect with real-world experiences has made a huge difference. And it’s something I think we all need to do to protect our mental health.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your screen time or noticing that your mental health is taking a hit, you’re not alone. I get it. But the good news is that small changes—like setting boundaries, engaging in offline activities, and being more mindful of social media—can help your brain reset and feel more balanced.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or just the overwhelming nature of our digital world, I’m here to help. Sometimes, all it takes is starting a conversation, and I’d love to support you in finding healthier ways to engage with your world—online and off.
Take a step back, hit reset, and remember to be kind to yourself!
Sue Morrison
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST q,
CERTIFIED ADDICTION COUNSELLOR
White Brick Therapy
289.207.0554
Comments