Question: I’m over 60 and I am really struggling with all of this “social media.” I don’t like, or understand, “AI” and I find myself believing everything I see online is real. I go on TikTok or Facebook and I suddenly realize that four hours have passed! I get so upset when I see the wars, politics and violence. I used to be a pretty cheerful person but now I go to sleep and wake up in a bad mood, and I feel like I’m sinking into a pit of despair. 

What can I do to keep my spirits up and still be aware of what’s really going on in the world? Doom Scroller

Answer: Dear Doom Scroller,

As a spiritual counselor, I hear more and more people tell me they are experiencing the same feelings you’re having. It seems like we are all trying our best to navigate the challenges of social media, as well as the technology of Artificial Intelligence (AI), but it isn’t easy. Like you, I have also had to work hard to keep myself positive. I truly believe that until all of us are healthy, happy and free, none of us are because we are all connected. Quantum physics tells us that changing our outer conditions starts by changing our inner conditions – the truth of what we think about ourselves and how we treat ourselves. Our work as evolving human beings always begins with consciously creating new belief systems, resulting in better choices and actions. Our brains develop new neural pathways (habits) over time and some of those habits aren’t actually good for us. 

Scrolling on social media has even become a type of addiction for some people. It releases brain chemicals that create a “high” similar to a gambler placing a bet or an addict taking a drug. 

The good news is that any behavior can be changed if we are willing to believe, think and act differently. Abstinence from all media is a choice some folks are making but you also want to stay informed. Here are some tips that have worked for myself and others: Set a timer to limit your social media time. It’s a good way to start to climb out of the pit of despair. Carefully choose the things you watch and respond to. We know that once we “like” or comment on any content, the algorithm (fancy term for the way the app works) will keep giving us more of what we like to interact with. What we give our attention to grows and therefore we get more of whatever that is – for better or worse. Read a book to inspire you first thing in the morning, and de-stress you last thing at night. I love the bestseller “Book of Awakening” by Mark Nepo. Boost your spiritual, religious or mindfulness practice by focusing more on it, growing it and being of service to others. Get your body moving and heart-centered with yoga or tai chi. You will feel more like your pre-social media cheerful self again when you laugh out loud watching a funny movie. 

The good is always within each of us and can be found everywhere in every situation. We just need to be conscious in how, and where, we are looking for it. 

Dr. Karen L. Mitchell