Do you ever feel like your devices are draining your energy? Whether you find yourself staying up late watching videos or checking work emails during your downtime, it’s common to let technology blur the line between relaxation and overwhelm. However, it’s important to recognize the connection between technology and mental health, which can impact your focus and sleep patterns.
Here, we’ll explore five trending terms that shed light on how our digital behaviors shape our thoughts, emotions, and overall functionality. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel mentally foggy or struggle to put your phone down, you’re in a safe space. We’ll provide insightful perspectives and actionable tips to help you reset your digital habits.
Stay tuned for more articles in this series as we delve deeper into tech-related concepts and address common inquiries from readers like yourself.
A woman scrolling on her phone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
1. Doomscrolling
The downward spiral in your feed
Doomscrolling is the act of compulsively browsing negative news, social media posts, or disturbing content, often late at night or during vulnerable moments. Initially, you may believe you’re staying informed, but as you continue, anxiety builds up, making the world seem overwhelmingly negative.
As you scroll through one distressing update after another, time seems to slip away unnoticed. Eventually, you may notice your mood sinking, yet you continue searching for a positive note that rarely appears. If you find it challenging to stop doomscrolling, even when it makes you feel worse, chances are you’re stuck in this pattern. Some signs of doomscrolling include:
- Getting lost in your phone for hours after intending to check one thing.
- Feeling like every headline is a crisis.
- Ending up in a worse emotional state after scrolling.
Tip: Set a time limit on news apps or replace your late-night scrolling with a podcast or audiobook. The goal isn’t to disconnect entirely but to avoid getting caught in a negative spiral.
How to set screen time limits:
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > App timers
A woman scrolling on her phone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2. Blue Light
The glow that disrupts your sleep
Blue light is a high-energy light emitted by screens (phones, tablets, laptops) that can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime. Excessive exposure, particularly at night, can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Common sources of blue light include:
- Using your phone in bed.
- Working on your laptop late at night.
- Binge-watching TV shows before bedtime.
Tips to minimize the effects: Use “Night Shift” or “Dark Mode” on your devices, avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime, or consider using blue light-blocking glasses if you must use a screen after sunset.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift.
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- Look for Night Light or Night Mode in Settings > Display
