A 2024 report found that, on average, adults worldwide spend 6 hours and 38 minutes on screens per day. Approximately 31% of Americans report "doomscrolling," or consuming negative news excessively to the point that it causes anxiety and distress. Our tendency to get stuck on distressing news stories can be seen as a survival response — we want to be aware of potential danger so that we can be prepared. News outlets prey on this tendency by deliberately including incisive language to pull you in and keep you clicking, and social media algorithms are designed to keep your eyes on the app.

Consuming upsetting story after upsetting story wears us down and can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms. It's not your fault that you have trouble putting down the screen — they are designed to hold your attention. At the same time, there are steps you can take to curate your online experience and protect your peace. Here are four tips for managing your social media consumption for your well-being.

You might not feel........

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