Stop the scroll

Finding togetherness outside the feed

We all know what loneliness feels like. Especially after the past two years. Whether that’s from not seeing mates and family members, or being surrounded by others with no hope of downtime. 

In times like these, many of us turn to our devices – seeking connection, trying to be together virtually. Seeking solace in screens has become the norm, an expected search for connection. But we all know it’s riddled with problems.

The gadgets on our laps, hands and tabletops offer infinite ways to interact with the world. Yet also serve a bottomless buffet of content on the side. Too often, we seek belonging, but settle for bite-sized distraction. We go looking for togetherness, and find ourselves scrolling alone.

Doomscrolling can spike feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness. And data shows this peaks during times of crisis – we saw it rise throughout the pandemic, and now spike again with the Ukraine war.

If we can just break the habit, we can find a way out. We can break the cycle of loneliness and get to a better place. For some that will be spending time with others. For others, finding quality time alone.

Learning how to have a more positive relationship with alone time can combat feelings of loneliness, while also boosting belonging, as we start to spend more time with others. It’s time to choose togetherness, and not let life scroll us by.