Introducing the Mayor’s Youth Council Health and Well-Being Column! Each month, we’ll share fun, relevant, easy-to-follow mental health tips through the Youth Central newsletter, giving you the tools and support to prioritize your well-being with new topics and advice every month!
May’s tips highlight how your digital habits impact more than just screen time—they affect your focus, mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being. Learn how to recognize the influence of algorithms, build healthier online habits, and create space for balance, mindfulness, and meaningful connection in your everyday life.
Your Digital Footprint
Ever find yourself scrolling for just five more minutes—and suddenly an hour has passed? That’s not an accident. Social media and apps are intentionally designed to keep you hooked by constantly triggering dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. The more you scroll, the more your brain craves that next hit of instant gratification, making it harder to focus on anything that requires patience—like reading a book, watching a full news segment, or even paying attention in class.
According to research studies, in 2000, the average attention span of a person was 12 seconds. Today, the average attention span is just 8 seconds. The average attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds… let that sink in.
Algorithms don’t care if the content is true, helpful, or even safe. They prioritize what gets the most engagement, making misinformation spread much faster than facts. Sentimental stories, conspiracy theories, and clickbait often go viral because they spark strong reactions—anger, shock, or excitement. That’s why you might find yourself going down a rabbit hole of misleading or outright false information without even realizing it.
It’s important to think critically about what we consume. The internet is not always a reliable source—misinformation spreads quickly, and not everything we see online is true.
- Always ask yourself – who benefits from my reaction? – before acting on emotions that different pieces of media spark.
- Always back up the information you receive on social media with reputable sources, and develop strong media literacy skills to differentiate fact from fiction.
- Following accounts that share meaningful, well-researched content can make a huge difference in the quality of information you absorb daily.
Alongside affecting our focus and information consumption, the time we spend online impacts our sleep, schoolwork, and relationships. Much of the time we spend doomscrolling adds little meaning to our lives. If you were asked to remember the reels you watched after an hour of mindless swiping, you would be drawing a complete blank. If you’re struggling to cut back, here are some tips!
- Try setting a timer before going on social media.
- Moving away from short-form content can also help—start by watching slightly longer videos and gradually work up to long-form content, like documentaries or podcasts.
- Reading is another great way to train your brain back to a healthier state. If books feel overwhelming, start with a fast-paced genre, like thrillers, to make it easier to stay engaged.
Being intentional about your screen time, staying informed, and protecting yourself online can help you take control of your digital habits rather than letting them control you. Be mindful of how you consume, what you consume, and the time you spend online, and always be kind! The key is balance.