Trapped In The Reel Frenzy

Life for many youngsters has transformed into a series of social media posts, stories, and reels, where followers and trending content dictate the ebb and flow of their existence. Boarding the metro reveals a ubiquitous sight - a sea of young faces engrossed in their own world of Instagram, lost in captivating reels that transport them away from the tangible realities of life. The reel world, emphasizing followers and trending content, has surreptitiously become the new reality for the younger generation.

What was once a leisurely scroll through posts and reels has evolved into a pervasive addiction, dominating the lives of today’s youngsters. Lost in the virtual realm, they dedicate countless hours to checking posts and reels of people they scarcely know, inadvertently trading tangible experiences for the ephemeral allure of the digital world.

The young years, marked by the search for identity and role models, witness inquisitive minds increasingly emulating online celebrities. This emulation extends to all facets of life, from attire to behaviour, creating a generation shaped by the digital realm. Conversations orbit around the latest videos, and the fear of exclusion drives the perpetual need to stay updated. The addictive nature of short, attractive videos releases the feel-good hormone dopamine, contributing to the development of technology addiction.

“I think I end up spending about 4-5 hours unconsciously. The usage is largely instagram. To be fair I do take my daily dose of news and geopolitics from social media but apart from that I’m not really looking for anything; some amount of scrolling and I pause on what’s interesting. I think it’s become a part of every youngster’s routine we tend to do it unconsciously. It’s an unhealthy habit, it’s adding to procrastination in my opinion,” says Malliha Fatima (29), brand consultant.

Thrisha Reddy (21), marketing head, The Saga Carnival adds, “I spend about 2-3 hours a day on social media mostly on Instagram. I’m a fashion and lifestyle enthusiast so I usually browse new collections and designs which are being released in the market that helps me keep up with the new trends. I often get drifted from my work and eventually lose track of time during extensive browsing or when searching for something in particular on social media which definitely is not healthy. So, I have started to make sure I have a reminder to limit my browsing time.”

Loneliness fuels the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), driven by constant comparison on social media. Excessive use, especially among the youth, impacts emotional and cognitive development. The reel dominating the real poses challenges to mental health and interpersonal skills. Striking a balance in navigating life through Instagram becomes crucial. Despite its creative potential, Instagram reels’ overuse risks youth addiction. Parents and educators must guide responsible social media use to ensure platforms enhance, not detract from, valuable time and overall well-being. — Hiranya A. Godavarthy, psychologist & psychotherapist

Negative Impact

Addiction: Instagram reels, like other social media, triggers dopamine release upon receiving likes and comments, fostering addictive behaviour and extensive time consumption.

Mental Health: Excessive social media usage, including Instagram reels, correlates with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, adversely affecting the well-being of the youth.

Interference with Productivity: Excessive reels consumption can interfere with users’ focus on work or studies, diverting their attention away from more meaningful pursuits.

Getting Rid of the Addiction

To help youngsters balance the reel and real world, consider these strategies as shared by Hiranya A. Godavarthy, psychologist & psychotherapist.

Unfollow Excessive Reels Accounts: Reduce temptation by unfollowing accounts that predominantly post reels content.

Delete the App: If self-control is a challenge, temporarily delete the app to break the cycle of excessive use.

Take a Social Media Break: Consider a broader break from all social media platforms to reset your relationship with screen time and regain control over social media use.