Dear Mindless Scrolling

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Dear mindless scrolling,

I am writing to you today because you have become a big part of my life. Every day you have been with me, by my side, ready anytime I needed you. Any moment when I wasn’t sure what to do next, there you were. You have been a steadfast companion, but I’ve come to realize that you are not the companion I want.

When I finish scrolling, I feel bad about myself.

When I finish scrolling, I feel like I do nothing but waste my own time.

When I finish scrolling, I am drained.

When I finish scrolling, I am empty.

When I finish scrolling, I am lost.

I am done giving you my time. Hour after hour, day after day, I let you consume moments that should be spent on better things. Things that give me joy and energy like reading, writing, and exercising.

When I finish writing I feel great about myself.

When I finish reading, I feel like I have spent my time wisely.

When I finish exercising, I am drained in the very best way.

When I finish doing any of these things I am full, and I am found.

 For all of these reasons I am breaking up with you today, you, the mindless and unintentional side of social media. Please understand that I do believe there can be good that comes from scrolling with intent. Catching up with old friends, learning new things, and brining other people into my life are all good. It is the mindless and meaningless flipping from reel to reel and useless message after useless message that I am going to step away from.

Like avoiding an old ex, the next time I feel the urge to call you, I will pick up my pen instead. The next time I need to wind down before bed, I will pick up my book. The next time I open any apps I will search and scroll with time-blocked intent.

It’s been reel (see what I did there?), but we’re done.

Sincerely,

Someone who wants more from life