The Hidden Addiction

The Hidden Addiction

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The air was still, and the quiet of the night wrapped around me like a comforting shroud. It had been a fine Saturday, a day filled with small pleasures- a brief nap, a modest dinner, and a few pages read from a well-worn book. The clock's hands had conspired to bring us to the late hour of 11:30 pm.

Amidst the peaceful ambiance, my mother, like a diligent taskmaster, hastily retreated under the warm embrace of her blanket. With the bathroom's visit completed, I extinguished the soft glow of my bedside lamp, plunging my room into darkness. As the room surrendered to the night, I reached for my trusted companion, the smartphone.

Tired of aimless scrolling through the digital labyrinth, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating what to indulge in next. It was then that a distant memory stirred within me- a cousin's recommendation to watch a thought-provoking documentary titled 'The Social Dilemma.' Intrigued by the suggestion, I decided to delve into this intriguing digital journey.

Documentary: The Social Dilemma'

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And I'm here to share a tale, a story of self-discovery prompted by a documentary recommendation: 'The Social Dilemma.' In our world of constant connection, I must confess, my phone often holds my attention more than anything or anyone else. I wake up each morning, like so many of us, with a gravitational pull towards my digital companion. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Naukri, and Gmail- my routine unfolds as I succumb to the temptation of these apps. I know it's not the healthiest habit, but are we truly helpless against the algorithm’s subtle siren call?

My workday stretches ahead, an eight-hour journey filled with tasks and responsibilities. Yet, I can't help but steal moments to scroll through my apps, even when it serves no real purpose. Some days, choices made in these fleeting moments are like forgotten dreams, resting idly in my digital realm. Is this what marketing has become- crafting desires through subtle manipulation? Are we all trapped, and is there a way out?

The scrolling addiction

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After the day's toil, a walk beckons- a brief respite to clear the mental clutter. But returning home, I'm lured back into the scrolling trance. It's a cycle I never intend to embrace for the entire day, yet time slips away unnoticed. It's only when I reflect on my past that I realize how much productive time I've squandered. My passions, once dormant, could have flourished.

Are we puppets manipulated by algorithms? The digital era compels us to buy, to consume, and to watch content that often leaves us empty. It's a stark reminder of the new generation, the mothers who feed their babies while glued to their screens, inadvertently increasing their children's screen time. Is it a cycle worth perpetuating?

As I continue scrolling, I lose track of time. Hours pass without my knowledge. The reels and images on social media depict lives brimming with happiness, but beneath those smiles, there's often hidden sadness. We act to impress, to paint a picture of perfection, but do we deceive ourselves in the process?

The modern depression

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The digital era has brought both advantages and emptiness into our lives. Comparisons are rampant, and uniqueness seems to fade away. Being a child of the mid-'90s, I remember a world before the internet's widespread influence. The big question I ask myself is whether I can ever escape the grip of these digital algorithms or if I'll continue to be under their sway.

In this age, a notification's chime can overpower even a newborn's cry. The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) haunts us all, even though missing out often means nothing at all. I've decided to mute my notifications, create a to-do list, and work with purpose. I hope others will realize our collective situation and seek strategies to break free from this digital spell.

Let's remember that life's simple pleasures are often the most precious, and that we have the power to regain control over our digital lives.