Break the Scroll Loop: Social Media Addiction & Freedom
We have lived enough of the social media era to know that it can be hyper addictive. Not only that, but it is designed with the intention of keeping you hooked to your phone for as long as possible.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe released groundbreaking findings in September 2024 from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study:
11% of adolescents showed signs of problematic social media behavior
That is why I met with Dr. Angelo Valenti. He is based in the amazing Nashville, and he has coached hundreds of people out of following influencers and creating their own paths.
https://youtu.be/YoWOdTjINCY
Social Media is bots and Fake stories.
The funny thing is that people still believe them. Yes, there are a few influencers who are enjoying and making money, but 99% of them aren’t, and they are grinding more than on a normal job.
The Psychology Behind the Addiction
Social media feeds two deep human needs: approval and connection to combat loneliness. Angelo defines it as cotton candy. Yes, it gives you a quick high, but then what?
Social Media Politics
I asked Angelo about the new trend of US politics happening on social media. His answer made me smile, “This is just a curtain to distract you from what they are doing behind”. And it seems to be working quite well, as everyone waits for the next ‘Truth’ from the president. Behind the scenes, they are passing bills and policies.
Seriously, what is that?
Detox
There are already courses on how to detox and even retreats where phones are not allowed. But Angelo says that the simplest way is to disconnect for a couple of hours a day, and take it from there.
It is a liberating experience, and believe me, it will make you feel much better since most of the stuff on the internet is causing anxiety.
The Big Picture
Spending many hours online looking at what others are doing is stealing your time and your happiness. Find purpose and meaning in the things you enjoy, even if they are small or don’t make you a billionaire.
Comparison is the thief of Joy.
If you think you have an addiction to social media, here is a resource to help you recover your life.
