Digital Consumption

Balancing College Life and Screen Time

It has never been easier to get lost in the media more than today. College students are now having an even harder time balancing college life and digital consumption. Spending too much time in the media reduces attention spans, reduce productivity, and increase stress. After scrolling for hours every day online, we start to compare ourselves to others leading to a lower self esteem. Obviously sleep quality goes out the door.

Why does it matter?

Too much social media can be bad for mental health and can affect face to face communication, crucial for college students. Those who use social media show the most signs of depression and low self esteem. Replacing face to face interactions with virtual ones can affect the way the brain functions when communicating in person.

Signs to start the change

• Losing sleep to scroll
• Can’t focus/ stay productive
• Loosing track of time when scrolling
• Checking phone first thing in the morning
• Feeling anxious when not checking notifications

Ways to smartly consume digital media

1. Set Boundaries: Set a time limit on the phone or an app and try avoiding digital media completely at least an hour before going to sleep. Set phone to “Do not disturb”.
2. Avoid draining media: Unfollow negative influencers or users and instead follow people who educate, inspire, and uplift.
3. Replace doom scrolling: Replace with physical activities like walking, stretching, and working out. Be more productive by cleaning, organizing, and even journaling for a mental break.
4. Choose quality over quantity: When shopping online, be mindful in quality of material that will last instead of cheap quality that won’t last.
5. Connect in real life: Have a face to face interaction with a human being, practice verbal and communication skills physically.

Start small today and reflect on results