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For so long, the modern generation has depended on an online identity to define who they are and stay connected to the people around them. But what if the facade of an “online persona” is beginning to be revealed?
In today’s society social media addiction is prevalent. The micro-trends, terminology, and doomscrolling all can result in the manipulation of mind and matter. With such a vast variety of platforms, Gen Z certainly has no shortage of a quick dopamine high; however, the time has come where people are beginning to recognize the exhausting pattern of social media highs and an addiction that has captured humanity with an iron grasp. Trends are shifting from the normalization of over-sharing online to engaging in real development and spending time in a healthier way.
According to National Geographic, the average American Gen Z spends over six hours a day scrolling on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. People are now breaking free from a world that glorifies an online presence and returning to the core values that matter.
Teens are now rejecting the norm of prioritizing a social media profile, and instead are being intentionally offline, going so far as to turn it into a new status symbol. It is beginning to signify a deeper focus and genuine, meaningful connections outside of a digitally-saturated world.
But why is this happening now? Gen Z is now recognizing that the constant, fast-paced life of social media is draining. The digital fatigue it causes can escalate from overload, increased stress, to even reducing brain function.
As stated by National Geographic, a 2025 study shows excessive use of AI and social media can cause lower recall and retention, reduced brain function, and memory loss. A recent review of 71 studies published by the American Psychological Association found that excessive short form video consumption is directly associated with diminished cognitive functions.
These short-form videos that trigger dopamine leads to an addictive cycle of instant gratification, not unlike that of gambling. This trains the brain to crave quick hits of this feel-good neurotransmitter, despite the negative effects it has on real world tasks. These effects can potentially include reduced focus, desensitized reward programs, and keeping one intellectually malnourished.
As stated by Sienna Stephens in The Observer, “This doomscrolling lifestyle in modern culture has prioritized a way of life that emphasizes perpetual scrolling, encouraging constant consumption and stimulation, yet discourages creation and reflection. It produces a strange sense of duality in individuals who are both overstimulated and intellectually malnourished.”
As dire as this seems, there is still hope for our generation and those of the future. As digital discretion increases in popularity, people are now able to prioritize authentic engagement and personal well-being over constant performance for the digital world.
“You can actually boost your cognitive skills by learning new techniques that involve training your brain to pay attention better,” says Gary Small, professor and chair of psychiatry and behavioral health at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
“Taking time offline is important,” says Small. “What I know about the brain is the sooner you get started on protecting your brain health, the better off you are.” As stated by Small, the sooner you act the better. Even the smallest step toward recovery is a step in the right direction.
By making being offline intrinsically appealing, we will be able to have a complete cultural reset, one that focuses on personal well-being rather than comparing oneself between posts.
Not only does being offline increase your cognitive skills, but it also helps to see the world in a brighter light. When online, negative news takes the most attention. Turning away from this provides a way to be present in the real world - and enjoy real moments.
So what can be done to gain this trend’s popularity - and keep it alive? In order to do this we suggest the most important idea; setting boundaries for yourself. From physical boundaries, silencing notifications, to logging out or deleting apps; there are many ways to take a break from the rush of social media. Attempt to take an active effort to cultivate your own offline hobbies and activities. Find something to replace time spent scrolling.
Our generation has now started the offline revolution - and it is up to us to keep it going.
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