The excessive use of electronic devices, especially endless scrolling on social networks and digital platforms, is a growing concern for parents and educators. This behavior, known as doomscrolling, can affect the mental health of teenagers, generating anxiety and cognitive overload. However, recent research indicates that young people are developing effective strategies to manage their screen time and reduce the negative effects of digital consumption.

Doomscrolling and its impact on teenagers

Doomscrolling intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a common practice among users of all ages. Through constant exposure to information, digital platforms capture users’ attention, making it difficult to disconnect. For teenagers, the use of digital devices is a fundamental part of their social and academic life, which generates mixed feelings. While some recognize the negative effects of excessive use, others face the difficulty of finding a balance between connectivity and well-being.

Strategies that teenagers apply

Despite the general perception that young people are passive victims of technology, many have developed strategies to limit their screen time. Among the most common are:

• “Do Not Disturb” or “Airplane” mode: By temporarily disabling notifications, teenagers can concentrate on academic tasks or activities without interruptions.
• Temporarily uninstalling applications: Some choose to eliminate certain applications during periods of high academic demand or when they feel information overload.
• Avoiding downloading addictive apps: To prevent excessive use, some teenagers decide not to install apps that they consider too absorbing, such as TikTok.
• Regulating usage time: Setting personal limits and reducing time on social media helps improve concentration and emotional well-being.

The role of education in digital time management

Imposing strict restrictions on device use is not the most effective solution, as it can lead to frustration and limit the development of personal responsibility. Instead, media literacy that fosters an understanding of the attention economy and the impact of algorithms on digital consumption is key to helping teenagers make informed decisions.

Disabling unnecessary notifications and subscribing to positive media are strategies that can improve the digital experience. In addition, understanding the effects of information overload allows teenagers to develop a more balanced use of technology, promoting critical reflection on the content they consume.

The attention economy explains how digital platforms design strategies to capture and retain users’ attention, which can affect adolescents’ ability to concentrate and their academic performance. By understanding how algorithms work and the engagement mechanisms that cause doomscrolling, young people can develop a more conscious use of technology. Incorporating this knowledge into education allows students to acquire tools to manage their digital time effectively, promoting a balance between learning and entertainment.

Continue your professional training

The Master in Education With a Specialty in Higher Education offers you the necessary tools to address the impact of doomscrolling on adolescents. You will learn to intervene effectively in their emotional and academic development, helping young people to manage their digital time in a healthy way. If you want to support the well-being of the younger generations and contribute to the balance between the use of technology and learning, this program is for you. Join us and make a difference!

Source: Adolescent strategies for limiting time spent scrolling