Endless Scrolling Syndrome

I previously wrote about how text-based social media contributed to my anxiety. Now, let’s talk about how short-form video platforms have negatively impacted my life.

When Instagram introduced Reels, I found myself watching them for hours without even realizing it. 

For those not from here, TikTok is banned in India, making Reels hugely popular. Unlike in other countries where it’s just another Instagram feature, in India, Reels is TikTok—it’s the mainstream.

YouTube Shorts followed, and before long, I was spending a significant portion of my day on these apps. 

At one point, it became so excessive that my free time disappeared, weekends vanished, and I just lost track of time. The cycle was hard to break. While text-based social media made me anxious, short-form videos left me feeling sluggish and irritable. On days when I avoided these apps, I was in a better mood, more active, and more present with my family. But when I used them, I felt drained and disengaged.

I recognize that my own habits play a role, but these platforms are designed to be addictive. The combination of infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven recommendations, and dopamine-driven feedback loops makes them incredibly difficult to resist.