TikTok’s algorithm is well-known for keeping users engaged, continually offering a tailored stream of content based on what we’ve previously watched. We spend hours engrossed in short videos and images, yet somehow, there’s a persistent sense of dissatisfaction. It’s like being in a personal echo chamber where, despite the abundance of content, our needs aren’t fully met. The words of 17th-century French theologian Francois Fénelon come to mind: “You can always tell when the self is talking… but it never feels that it is being well taken care of.” His observation still rings true today, as many find themselves swept away in entertainment while feeling emotionally parched.
I recently spoke with some college students about their views on silence versus their habits of scrolling on phones. I asked them to consider what it would be like if they didn’t use their devices from waking up to finishing breakfast. Their reactions were telling—eye rolls and grimaces at the thought of such a quiet morning. Even with company at home, the absence of smartphone noise felt alien, even jarring. When I probed further and suggested putting phones away during dinner until later in the evening, one student’s shock was palpable; I couldn’t help but want to dive deeper into her surprise.
When we unpacked their discomfort with the thought of starting and ending their days without their devices, the responses were eye-opening. Many shared feelings like: “When I’m quiet, I have to confront thoughts and emotions that I’d rather not face. So, I distract myself with my phone.” For them, scrolling became a means of sidestepping potential discomfort.
The stillness itself was disconcerting. I recalled my own experiences with solitude—those moments marked by anxiety and unease as I faced my scattered thoughts and emotions. There were times I’d wake up in the night, overwhelmed with worry and sadness. For years, my distractions were limited to quietly reading or catching old TV shows without disturbing anyone. Silence and solitude, I’ve learned, are spiritual practices that demand effort but often lead to peace.
From conversations and research, it’s clear that endless scrolling through social media doesn’t foster true peace or joy. Instead, it offers a fleeting illusion of happiness through dopamine hits. TikTok’s engaging content is designed to deliver these dopamine spikes unpredictably, which is why users keep scrolling—hoping for another hit. Experts suggest that this design can mimic addiction, hence the widespread talk about social media’s “addictive” quality and the difficulty in stepping away from it.
What does this tendency to avoid silence while scrolling do to us? Research has begun to spotlight terms like “doomscrolling” and “zombie scrolling,” with findings suggesting these behaviors can lead to “brain rot.” This phenomenon is linked to issues such as emotional numbness, cognitive overload, and negative self-perception. It alters how we digest experiences, often dulling our emotional responses while overwhelming our minds at the same time. This kind of behavior can culminate in mental distress and anxiety, impairing memory and decision-making. It’s safe to say that constant scrolling isn’t a pathway to fulfillment; it can undermine our mental well-being.
However, there is hope. We can rediscover silence and break free from our habits of mindless scrolling. Justin Whitmel Earley suggests some practical habits for fostering wisdom.
Bible before the phone
Starting the day with the Bible instead of reaching for your phone can set a positive tone. It encourages our mind, spirit, and body to engage meaningfully before connecting with others.
Designated phone-free times
Our reliance on technology has become so ingrained that carving out moments without it can require intention. Earley recommends practices like designating phone-free hours or creating spaces where devices aren’t allowed, such as charging stations outside the bedroom. This intentional disconnect leads to a break from the habitual scrolling.
During a session at a recent Gospel Coalition conference, a panelist emphasized that technology trains us; the content we consume does shape our mindset and emotions. It’s beneficial for us to pause and reflect on what influences us. How about taking 15 minutes to scroll, then jotting down the values depicted in each post?
While not all online content is detrimental, some may inspire or remind us of important spiritual truths. Daily devotions and prayers often appear on social media, yet the aim shouldn’t be endless scrolling but rather reflecting in peace and quiet.
Social media platforms strive to hold our attention, so it’s not neutral ground—it’s actively seeking to engage us. Since we can’t be fully present in two places at once, it’s essential to recognize how we spend our time and what fills our minds. Start small. Silence and stillness take practice, and being mindful of our influences can lead to better choices over time.
Restore Your Calm and Move Beyond Endless Scrolling – Guest Commentary
TikTok’s algorithm is well-known for keeping users engaged, continually offering a tailored stream of content based on what we’ve previously watched. We spend hours engrossed in short videos and images, yet somehow, there’s a persistent sense of dissatisfaction. It’s like being in a personal echo chamber where, despite the abundance of content, our needs aren’t fully met. The words of 17th-century French theologian Francois Fénelon come to mind: “You can always tell when the self is talking… but it never feels that it is being well taken care of.” His observation still rings true today, as many find themselves swept away in entertainment while feeling emotionally parched.
I recently spoke with some college students about their views on silence versus their habits of scrolling on phones. I asked them to consider what it would be like if they didn’t use their devices from waking up to finishing breakfast. Their reactions were telling—eye rolls and grimaces at the thought of such a quiet morning. Even with company at home, the absence of smartphone noise felt alien, even jarring. When I probed further and suggested putting phones away during dinner until later in the evening, one student’s shock was palpable; I couldn’t help but want to dive deeper into her surprise.
When we unpacked their discomfort with the thought of starting and ending their days without their devices, the responses were eye-opening. Many shared feelings like: “When I’m quiet, I have to confront thoughts and emotions that I’d rather not face. So, I distract myself with my phone.” For them, scrolling became a means of sidestepping potential discomfort.
The stillness itself was disconcerting. I recalled my own experiences with solitude—those moments marked by anxiety and unease as I faced my scattered thoughts and emotions. There were times I’d wake up in the night, overwhelmed with worry and sadness. For years, my distractions were limited to quietly reading or catching old TV shows without disturbing anyone. Silence and solitude, I’ve learned, are spiritual practices that demand effort but often lead to peace.
From conversations and research, it’s clear that endless scrolling through social media doesn’t foster true peace or joy. Instead, it offers a fleeting illusion of happiness through dopamine hits. TikTok’s engaging content is designed to deliver these dopamine spikes unpredictably, which is why users keep scrolling—hoping for another hit. Experts suggest that this design can mimic addiction, hence the widespread talk about social media’s “addictive” quality and the difficulty in stepping away from it.
What does this tendency to avoid silence while scrolling do to us? Research has begun to spotlight terms like “doomscrolling” and “zombie scrolling,” with findings suggesting these behaviors can lead to “brain rot.” This phenomenon is linked to issues such as emotional numbness, cognitive overload, and negative self-perception. It alters how we digest experiences, often dulling our emotional responses while overwhelming our minds at the same time. This kind of behavior can culminate in mental distress and anxiety, impairing memory and decision-making. It’s safe to say that constant scrolling isn’t a pathway to fulfillment; it can undermine our mental well-being.
However, there is hope. We can rediscover silence and break free from our habits of mindless scrolling. Justin Whitmel Earley suggests some practical habits for fostering wisdom.
Bible before the phone
Starting the day with the Bible instead of reaching for your phone can set a positive tone. It encourages our mind, spirit, and body to engage meaningfully before connecting with others.
Designated phone-free times
Our reliance on technology has become so ingrained that carving out moments without it can require intention. Earley recommends practices like designating phone-free hours or creating spaces where devices aren’t allowed, such as charging stations outside the bedroom. This intentional disconnect leads to a break from the habitual scrolling.
During a session at a recent Gospel Coalition conference, a panelist emphasized that technology trains us; the content we consume does shape our mindset and emotions. It’s beneficial for us to pause and reflect on what influences us. How about taking 15 minutes to scroll, then jotting down the values depicted in each post?
While not all online content is detrimental, some may inspire or remind us of important spiritual truths. Daily devotions and prayers often appear on social media, yet the aim shouldn’t be endless scrolling but rather reflecting in peace and quiet.
Social media platforms strive to hold our attention, so it’s not neutral ground—it’s actively seeking to engage us. Since we can’t be fully present in two places at once, it’s essential to recognize how we spend our time and what fills our minds. Start small. Silence and stillness take practice, and being mindful of our influences can lead to better choices over time.
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