Algorithms are meticulously designed, programmed and refined to keep us in the app, all while capitalising on our brain chemistry to steal more of our time.

Social Media exploits us through:
-Curating content it knows we’ll love (hyper-personalised content like the FYP)
-Minimising - or even eliminating - intrusive ads
-Designing Auto-filling search bars with trending queries and suggestions …rendering the scrolling experience almost impossible to resist.
There’s no longer a consequence for lacking resilience.
‍
Not enjoying a video? Skip.
Not even an ad to deter you.

Now apply that same expectation to real life.
Not enjoying homework? Skip.
Feeling bored in a conversation? Walk away.
Low-level discomfort becomes intolerable.

These instant, rewarding social feedback loops trigger dopamine spikes- tiny “highs” that feel harmless but gradually rewire our brain chemistry. We start craving these digital dopamine hits, subconsciously on the lookout for the next piece of content that will make us laugh, feel good or bond with others. 

Platforms leverage certain features to keep us hooked, exploiting our hormones in a cunning effort to steal our precious time- and boost profits. And this isn’t simple stuff… There are entire degrees dedicated to social media marketing, harvesting the skills of pro editors' knowledge to craft the next viral reel - all to line the pockets of corporate conglomerates. 

So no, we can’t expect to just “have more willpower.” These systems are sophisticated, strategically researched and deliberately designed to override our willpower. 

Sadly, the pandemic further fanned the flames of our already troubling and toxic societal dynamics. The new COVID-normal was remote work, remote school, remote friends – ultimately, remote lives.

Creating a new pandemic: The Tech obsession. 

And it is now well accepted- both in the clinical community and among the general population- that screens can be habit-forming and potentially harmful to our mental health, as ample research shows, excessive screen usage can increase depression, anxiety, ADHD, suicidality and thoughts of self-harm. 

And yet, big Tech companies are seemingly willing to accept that some teenagers may have to die - becoming collateral damage in the pursuit of obscene profitability. In a world full of Kardashian-esque frivolity and chaotic tweets, I find myself envying my Grandparents.   They are from an earlier time where people said what was on their minds and didn’t mince their words; there was a clarity to thinking, uncluttered by the ‘social trends’ of the day

I can’t help but feel they’re the lucky ones; they won’t live long enough to see the full fallout of the world I’ve just described. They lived a simpler life. A more human life. We are living in a world we are not psychologically hardwired to face. 

It would be naive for me to suggest leaving the online space entirely, the internet allows for immense human development, it affords us with many luxuries that truly excite me- everything from AI to Social Media and the evolving nature of identity. I’m writing this online. You’re reading this online. But counteracting the toxic algorithms designed to make you addicted is essential for our survival.

The problem is this: None of this is how humans were evolutionarily designed to live, our tech has outpaced our biology, our understanding of our neurotransmitters.

We’ve been granted access to a theme park without any seat belts, brakes or safety restrictions and it’s literally driving us insane as we’ve become mad for our devices- even as our devices are driving us mad. Hooked and seduced by our wonderful tech, we’ve become psychologically and physically ill. 

We’re being spoon fed difficult topics without having developed the cognitive skills to actually fathom what they mean. I know countless young people who can quote Andrew Tate — but couldn’t define feminism if you asked them. Kids calling out ‘negative aura’ — without any real understanding of morals, values, or emotional intelligence.

More and more, social media is replacing traditional ways of accessing real happy hormones — things like exercise, building relationships, conversation, creativity and laughter.

Why bother exploring what makes you feel good, when there’s always something guaranteed to feel better? Scrolling.

But that comes at a cost. When dopamine comes cheap and fast, attention spans shrink, emotional regulation weakens and the line between hobby and habit blurs completely.

We're not exploring what we love anymore — we’re chasing whatever keeps us numb, distracted, or momentarily high. And in the process, we’re losing all sense of self — blurring into one homogenous body of content consumers, scrolling in sync but feeling completely disconnected. 

And the result? Overstimulated brains. Racing thoughts. Loss of identity. Anxious minds stuck in overdrive. 

That’s why I wholeheartedly believe schools should implement compulsory mindfulness or meditation into the school day — not as an optional extra, but as an essential survival skill.

If we’re going to hand young people devices loaded with algorithms engineered to hijack their brains, the very least we can do is give them the tools to take that control back.

Quiet, controlled minds shouldn’t be rare.

They should be taught.