The Shift in ‘Consuming Content’
The Addiction to Endless Scrolling!
22nd October 2023 | The Hindu
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I found this article by Nimra Ahmad, in the Open Page of The Hindu’s Sunday Magazine quite interesting, for six reasons.
First, the article has high relevance to today’s Digital Landscape.
Second, the article is neatly structured.
Thirdly, the article doesn’t take any sentence for granted. In short, it doesn’t waste even a single sentence.
In other words, in this article of 580 words, no sentence can be called inessential, redundant or superfluous.
Fourthly, the article foregrounds the problem, giving statistics and research to back her argument.
Fifthly, the article suggests possible solutions to the problem.
Finally, the article ends with a memorable, catchy and punchy concluding sentence!
This blogpost hence seeks to highlight the various features found in this article that make it interesting and engaging for a leisurely Sunday read.
Added, this post also seeks to exhort and to motivate budding writers to be likewise highly ‘focused’, and ‘purpose-driven’ while ‘crafting’ or writing out their essays.
Now – over to Nimra Ahmad! -
The Writer’s Introductory Sentence [That Serves as an Outline to the Content]
In today’s digital age, the Internet has become an integral part of our lives, influencing us in ways we could not have imagined.
The Writer Gives Out Facts / Statistics
Nearly five billion people, or 63% of the world’s population, are now online.
The Writer Gives Real-Life Examples
Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have evolved from mere sources of information and entertainment to realms of obsession.
The Writer Highlights the ‘Shift’ in How We ‘Consume Content’
The concept of “endless scrolling”, initially introduced by Aza Raskin in 2006 for smoother website navigation, has now become an intrinsic way of engaging with online content. This shift in how we consume content is striking.
Seamless Distraction & Unbroken Stream of Posts
Videos on platforms flow seamlessly into one another, while social media feeds offer an unbroken stream of posts. The abundance of content fuels continuous scrolling, driven by a psychological tendency known as “unit bias”.
The Task: Consuming Content
Essentially, we are inclined to finish a task we are given, and in this context, the task is consuming content. The more content available, the stronger our compulsion to consume.
The Writer Gives Research Evidence
Harvard Business School’s research provides fascinating insights into our behaviour. Simply categorising videos as similar increases the likelihood of continued viewing.
We are naturally drawn to content that feels accessible and familiar, even if it’s not entirely predictable.
The Writer, On ‘Why We Keep Scrolling?’
Each quick switch between information releases dopamine in our brains, creating a neurological “high” that motivates us to keep scrolling. The surge in short-form video content on platforms such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts from 2021 to 2022 has been nothing short of astonishing.
The Writer then Proceeds to Foregrounds the Problem / Issue
The Never-Ending Cycle of Scrolling
Yet, amidst this digital renaissance, a shadow looms. Many sections of users feel trapped in the neverending cycle of social media scrolling.
‘In the Elusive Pursuit of Perfect Content’
They express frustration in the elusive pursuit of perfect content, often unsure of what it even looks like.
This quest for relevance has transformed into a rat race, where victory seems reserved for omnipotent artificial intelligence algorithms and the ceaseless machinery of the capitalist market.
The Writer Lists out the Consequences of Spending Excessive Time on Social Media
Spending excessive time on social media, particularly at night, has been linked to sleep disturbances, leading to a cascade of issues such as depression, memory lapse, diminished academic performance, and professional challenges — particularly impactful for young adults and students.
The Social & Psychological Phases of Scrolling: Hampering Productivity
Understanding the social and psychological phases that students experience while scrolling is crucial. A significant portion of work time is diverted to personal tasks, hampering productivity.
Social Media Use & Self-Esteem
Moreover, a concerning connection exists between social media use and self-esteem, impacting overall satisfaction with life.
Recognising the Snare & Seeking Real-Life Activities
Knowledge alone is not enough; action is key. Recognising the snare is a vital first step, but equally crucial is the endeavour to break free. Seek real-life activities, forge connections, and embrace elements that nurture wellbeing.
Reclaiming Control over our Digital Lives: Steps toward Liberation
Balance is the bridge to reclaiming control over our digital lives. Reducing screen time or seeking support from those around you are powerful steps toward liberation.
Scrolling Loops: Bottomless Pits of Endless Engagement
These scrolling loops were designed to enhance productivity and activity, not to become bottomless pits of endless engagement.
Wherein Lies True Productivity in this Digital Landscape?
True productivity lies not in boundless scrolling, but in the tangible actions you take beyond the screen. Reclaim your time, your focus, and your agency in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
For a More Balanced, Fulfilling Life
It’s a journey worth embarking on, and one that holds the promise of a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Regaining Control of Our Time and Attention
By recognising these patterns, students and professionals can take steps to regain control of their time and attention.
Helping Students Use Social Media More Purposefully
Employing research-backed strategies and finding ways to outsmart digital algorithms can help students use social media more purposefully.
The Writer’s Memorable Concluding Line
In this dynamic era, as reels spin and algorithms churn, it is imperative to thread the digital needle carefully.
The web may be woven, but we hold the shears to cut free.
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