Expectations VS Reality TV

Doomscrolling. Binge-watching. Information silos. Everyone has heard of or engaged with these concepts at some point, many of us on a daily basis. In a media-consumed world where we are surrounded by a constant bombardment of stimuli from the fast-paced digital world, it is nearly impossible to avoid the intoxicating effects of streaming services and other social media platforms.

It is widely known that being outside, exercising, and engaging face-to-face with the people in our lives is far better for us than another hour of screen time. So why is it that unplugging remains such a challenge, and how can it be overcome? 

In my interview with Lucie Frost, I was introduced to an especially accessible way to decrease screen time. In her book How the Hell Did I Not Know That?, Frost discusses how entering retirement was a difficult transition. Instead of using her newfound free time to pursue her many passions, she found herself watching reality television. This is highly relatable to anyone who finds themselves leaving work, excited to decompress, only to find that they just have the energy to scroll. 

When many of the suggested methods for getting off the couch did not work for Frost, she began her own journey “from couch to curiosity.” When she watched television, she would research the first thing she was curious about. She recounts how she was inspired to learn about all the types of travel visas while watching 90 Day Fiancé. This small act engaged her innate curiosity and love of learning, which in turn allowed her to repurpose her binge-watching into a learning opportunity. This method still requires the active decision to research, but it converts screen time into small research projects. You can do it anywhere you have internet access, and if you carry a dictionary, you don’t even need the internet. 

If you need more of a hard break from media, there are lots of options. One option is the media cleanse, which became popular around 2020, when many people found themselves spending too much quarantine time on screens. A media cleanse is exactly what it sounds like: Do not engage with social media, streaming services, or other digital media for an extended period of time. For some, this might be twenty-four hours, but for others a week or even a month is preferable. 

Media cleanses allow us to do a hard reset on screen time. They can push us to explore old hobbies, take a step outside, and reengage in conversation with those around us. Some recommend journaling to record your feelings about being disconnected or suggest avoiding doing a cleanse alone. 

Accountability during a media cleanse can be challenging, but as someone who has tried it, I can say that it truly felt like a breath of fresh air, even if just for twenty-four hours. If you work on a computer for a majority of the day or use social media platforms in your work, I highly recommend trying it as a way to set boundaries on personal screen time. And if taking a small step seems less daunting, an hour a day is a great place to start. 

For more information on Frost’s couch to curiosity journey, check out the Tripod episode “How the Hell Did I Not Know That? Identity and Authenticity” anywhere you listen to podcasts. 

By Lily Brennan