We’ve all been there — sitting on the couch, phone in hand, scrolling endlessly on our phones. What starts out as a quick check of FB turns into 40 minutes lost with nothing to show for it.
Social media is designed to keep both kids and adults glued to the screen. But what’s the real cost of this habit?

The Impact of Endless Scrolling
Mental Health Strain – Research shows that too much screen time is linked to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. The highlight reels we consume often make us feel like we’re missing out or not measuring up.

Skewed Information – Algorithms don’t just show us what’s “out there,” they show us what will keep us engaged the longest. That often means sensational, polarised, or misleading content — not necessarily the truth.

Family Disconnect – Hours spent online are hours not spent talking, laughing, or creating memories with those around us.

How Algorithms Work Against You
Social platforms are built to maximise your time spent scrolling. They track your likes, pauses, and even what you nearly click on. Then, they serve you a personalised stream of content designed to keep you hooked — regardless of whether it’s healthy, factual, or beneficial.
Talking to Family About Screen Time
It’s not easy to suggest to family members that they should cut back. Here are 3 gentle ways to raise it:
Lead by Example – Put your phone down first. Suggest a “tech-free meal” where everyone leaves devices in another room.

Frame It Positively – Instead of saying “you’re always on your phone,” say, “let’s do something fun together instead.”

Share the Science – Talk about the impact of screen time on mood and sleep. Sometimes facts help people understand it’s not just nagging.

Picking Up Something Better: Shortwave Radio
Instead of getting lost in an algorithm, why not get lost in the radio dial? Shortwave listening is a hobby that stretches your brain, sparks curiosity, and opens the door to voices and music from around the world. From regular shortwave broadcasts, amateur radio signals, and coded military messages, this is the kind of content you won’t stumble across on your feed. Listen to live news as it happens, uncensored.
Tinkering with radios, experimenting with antennas, and logging stations can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a mindful hobby that combines hands-on skill with global discovery — something that scrolling simply can’t match.