The Mental Toll of 90-Second Reels: How Social Media Impacts Our Wellbeing

Scrolling through Reels on any Social media platform is designed to be addictive and engaging, and there are a few reasons why people tend to keep scrolling:

1. Algorithm Personalization: Social media platforms algorithm learns your preferences over time and tailors the content to match your interests, making each reel feel more relevant and engaging.

2. Endless Feed: Reels have an infinite scrolling feature, where new content keeps loading without any breaks, encouraging users to keep going for "just one more."

3. Short and Entertaining Content: Reels are designed to be short, snappy, and entertaining, making it easy to consume a lot in a short amount of time.

4. Dopamine Hits: Each new reel provides a quick burst of excitement or curiosity, which can lead to a dopamine release in the brain, creating a sense of reward that encourages more scrolling.

5. Variety: Reels cover a wide range of topics, from comedy and education to lifestyle and trends, keeping users interested with diverse content.

This combination makes it hard to stop once you start scrolling through social Media Reels. While on the other side, these Reels can be fun and engaging, excessive use can have several negative side effects:

1. Addiction: The constant scrolling and instant gratification can lead to addictive behavior, making it difficult to limit time spent on the app.

2. Reduced Attention Span: Short, fast-paced videos can reduce the ability to focus on longer, more in-depth content or tasks, contributing to a shorter attention span over time.

3. Sleep Disruption: Late-night scrolling through reels, particularly because of the blue light from screens, can interfere with sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia or poor sleep quality.

4. Mental Health Issues: Constant exposure to curated, idealized lives and content can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or depression, especially when users compare themselves to others.

5. Time Wasting: Excessive time on Reels can lead to procrastination and reduced productivity, taking time away from more meaningful activities.

6. Cyberbullying or Negative Comments: Like other social media platforms, Reels can expose users to negative feedback, trolling, or bullying, which can harm self-esteem.

7. Overstimulation: The fast-paced, constant flow of content can lead to overstimulation, making it harder for the brain to relax and process information effectively.

I believe that, Being mindful of usage and setting boundaries can help mitigate these side effects.