unmuted

The image above is a perfect representation of what it is like for some people when they are on the media

Media has become something so prominent in the past twenty years that it’s even hard to

imagine life without it nowadays. What used to be just something that people watched or

listened to at specific times—things like TV shows, radio, and movies—has now turned into

something that is around us everywhere at all times. We have our phones on us, we get

notifications, and we have a For You page that never ends. As the media keeps evolving and

changing, our mental health is caught in the middle, especially when it starts to feel like a social

requirement instead of a choice.

Older media had natural stopping points. A show ended, the radio show was over, and that was

that. But today’s media is built to keep us hooked. TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram use infinite

scroll so there’s literally no “end.

” Streaming services quietly autoplay the next episode before

we even decide if we want to keep watching.

Psychologist Adam Alter explains this shift really clearly:

“The products that become addictive…are the ones that evolve to meet our psychological needs

most precisely.

”

—Alter, Irresistible

Media is no longer just here for our personal entertainment or enjoyment, it’s trying to keep us

engaged; the designers of the apps knew exactly how to ensure the experience is addictive.

The more we scroll, the more we want to scroll, and the harder it becomes to take a break.

When addiction is mentioned most people just think about drugs or alcohol. But the media can

be very addictive. The constant notifications, likes, and videos create a sort of reward system

that plays into our brain’s cravings for dopamine. You check your phone once, then again, then

five minutes later… and suddenly 45 minutes have disappeared.

According to the Pew Research Center, almost half of teens say they are online “almost

constantly.

Just like anything else we have to train our brain to be resiliant and and fresh. a well rested and taken care of mind will always outperform one that is not.

” It’s not surprising when you think about how our phones

every quiet moment, even the ones our minds might need to rest.

This kind of use often becomes evident in people’s smaller, less noticeable mannerisms. For

example, grabbing your phone as soon as you wake up, or scrolling for prolonged periods of

time when you are under stress or bored, and in extreme cases even feeling uncomfortable

when there isn’t a device in your vicinity. Over time these habits can affect attention span,

increase anxiety, and affect quality of sleep.

While media does help us stay more connected, it also can add a certain pressure and

insecurity, especially on apps like TikTok and Instagram. Comparison is the thief of joy, andthere is a lot of comparison in the media. People end up comparing everyday moments even

though on social media we often only see the best parts of people’s lives. Even if we know it is

edited or staged, it still can take an emotional toll on the brain.

Scholar Sherry Turkle captures this perfectly:

“We expect more from technology and less from each other.

”

—Turkle, Reclaiming Conversation

Online people present a “performing” version of themselves, editing photos, curating images,

and showing off fake or real luxury items, which can make real life feel less exciting. The

pressure can build up, especially for young people who still are growing up and discovering who

they are.

The solution to this all isn’t just as easy as deleting all these apps. Media plays a considerable

role in our everyday lives, and it isn’t all bad. What is important for us is to learn how to use it

properly and in a way that doesn’t overwhelm us. Simple habit fixes can make a huge

difference.

The more media evolves and changes with the introduction of AI and better algorithms, we have

to be more aware than ever of how these tools affect us. Understanding media and how it

affects us allows us to use it intentionally instead of being led by it.

The media has become something that doesn’t just reflect the world, it also reflects us. It shapes

what we care about and how we feel. We are able to use it in healthy ways as long as we know

and acknowledge how it can influence us. As media gets more and more immersive, we need to

keep asking ourselves: Are we using media, or is the media using us?