A Journey Through Digital Wellness:
A Personal and Collective Exploration of Mental Health Challenges
By: Ari Lowinsky
On March 14th, 2020, I deleted TikTok from my phone. I’ll never forget the moment I tapped on the screen to view my weekly phone usage and saw the staggering number: 12 hours in a single day. It was a wake-up call that left me stunned. This was the first time I realized I had no self control when it came to social media.
I chose not to post online after realizing that this was a source of stress and anxiety for me. I often found myself insisting to friends, and even to myself, that I didn’t care about likes and comments, that I posted solely for my own enjoyment. But deep down, I cared more than I admitted. I fell into the trap of associating my self-worth with the digital validation I received. Moments of genuine sadness would wash over me when my posts received fewer likes, while I reveled in elation when they garnered attention. I even went as far as researching optimal posting times, a behavior now all too common. I learned many individuals tend to gravitate towards posting after work, using their phones as a means to decompress and scroll through social media. I had no idea if this was true, but I was desperate enough to believe it. The dynamics of social media have evolved, prompting a reevaluation of my relationship with these platforms.
I had equated the use of social media with posting photos with the intention of getting “likes” so, in 2017, I made a conscious effort to refrain from posting pictures and stories, believing it would somehow elevate me and set me apart from other social media users. However, my time wasn’t spent more wisely; instead, I soon discovered that engaging with social media can take many forms. I found myself immersed in endless reels and videos. Over the last six years, I’ve estimated spending an average of 6-8 hours per day on my phone, aligning with the typical usage among Gen Z. This lack of accountability and self-regulation is not unique to me; it’s a common struggle among social media users. Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have become my primary vices, driven more by habit than intention. I’ve observed similar patterns among friends, both older and younger, indicating a widespread issue with self-control in today’s digital age.
Social media has evolved beyond just a platform for posting personal updates; it has become a hub for consuming vast amounts of information, watching videos, and sharing content with friends. Users now spend significant amounts of time scrolling through feeds, watching reels, and exchanging messages, contributing to a culture of constant connectivity and digital interaction. The constant connectivity facilitated by sharing media with friends can create a sense of dependency on digital interactions, detracting from face-to-face connections and deepening feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Moreover, this trend is compounded by the absence of a prominent ‘third place’ in our country. Without accessible physical spaces where people can gather, socialize, and engage in meaningful interactions outside of their homes and workplaces, individuals may increasingly turn to digital platforms as substitutes for genuine social connections. This reliance on social media as a primary means of socializing can further erode the quality of face-to-face relationships and exacerbate feelings of social isolation. While social media’s emphasis on information consumption and media sharing offers convenience and entertainment, it also poses significant challenges to users’ mental health and interpersonal relationships.
About a year ago, I made a conscious choice to delete most social media apps from my phone, and it’s had a profound impact on my life. I’ve come to realize the significant amount of time these platforms were absorbing. As I dug deeper, I started to understand more about how these companies operate and their strategies to keep us hooked. It’s fascinating to learn about the techniques they use, such as hiring experts in psychology and behavior, including some from industries like gambling, all aimed at enhancing user engagement.
Over the past year, being away from social media has opened up countless new hobbies and routines for me. I’ve discovered a direct link between pushing myself out of my comfort zone and personal growth, a lesson that seems to resonate with many others as well. Previously, I used to start my day feeling anxious and unprepared, often arriving at work just in the nick of time. This left me feeling scattered and drained for the rest of the day. But now, with a newfound appreciation for routine, I’ve found that there’s ample time in the mornings for activities that nourish my well-being. By hitting the gym and starting work an hour earlier, I’ve significantly reduced my anxiety levels. This simple adjustment has completely transformed my outlook and confidence in life.
Reflecting on this change, it strikes me how certain valuable life lessons, like the importance of routine and exercise, aren’t commonly taught or emphasized. Growing up, the focus was often on the physical benefits of exercise, but the profound impact it has on mental well-being and confidence was rarely discussed. In helping friends navigate similar challenges, I’ve noticed the power of sharing personal experiences. It’s not just about saying “you should work out”; it’s about sharing how exercise has personally helped overcome feelings of depression and anxiety. By framing it as a relatable journey rather than just a recommendation, it becomes more impactful and motivating for others to try it out for themselves.
While there is content on social media urging us to take steps towards self-improvement and reducing our screen time, I’ve observed that many people don’t take these messages seriously. This underscores the importance of human connection in shaping how we perceive and absorb information. When someone engages with a video or message about the negative impacts of social media, their ability to understand and internalize the message is influenced by the power of human connection. Watching a real person express these concerns triggers not just our cognitive faculties, but also our emotions, which can be more compelling and impactful.
Additionally, the phenomenon of Information Overload further complicates matters. The internet floods us with a vast amount of data, making it challenging for individuals to sift through and prioritize what’s truly important. Without the necessary skills to manage this deluge of information, people may struggle to discern the significance of messages advocating for a healthier relationship with social media.
I’ve observed that engaging with someone face-to-face has a remarkable effect of jolting them out of complacency. The physical presence and direct interaction seem to immediately spark their interest and enthusiasm, almost like flipping a switch that wakes them up. Moreover, I’ve experienced firsthand how vulnerability can quickly act as a catalyst for deeper connections. Sharing my own experiences, such as struggles with food and technology addiction, has allowed me to create connections where others feel seen and understood too. It’s incredible how promptly people start opening up and sharing their own stories; it’s as if we’ve been longing for a genuine heart-to-heart conversation but never found the chance until now. This underscores the importance of in-person interaction and highlights just how much people crave and miss this genuine connection.
As we’re navigating our way through the social media world, many of us are only now beginning to recognize the unintended consequences that come with it. It’s a real challenge to get people to step back from their screens quickly, especially when social media has become such an integral part of our lives. But that’s precisely why we need to have this conversation, to raise awareness and start exploring solutions. We need to think about implementing programs focused on media literacy and cultivating healthier online habits. And when it comes to formal training, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and practicing mindfulness can go a long way in fostering a positive relationship with digital platforms. It’s important to remember that for some individuals, technology has been a part of their lives since birth. They’ve grown up with iPads and smartphones, and it’s crucial that they learn how to use technology mindfully.
So, let’s all take a moment to reflect on this. While it may be difficult to grasp because technology is so ingrained in our daily routines, it’s essential to consider how we can encourage responsible and mindful technology use, especially for the younger generation. I’d like to keep this conversation going with you and I also hope that you continue to have chats among your colleagues and friends. We are learning as we go and by sharing our experiences, we will navigate challenges and uncover positives along the way.
