How I Made My Screen Time Work for Me

I’ve spent hours doomscrolling. Often. It’s easy to fall into the trap, especially on platforms like TikTok where the algorithm seems to know exactly what to show you.

Part of TikTok’s magic lies in how it initially drew us in with entertainment—the dancing, the viral challenges—only to transform into an endless stream of new knowledge.

Suddenly, we were learning things we never knew: life hacks, cleaning tips, news, and even niche interests. It felt like we were all more connected, sharing knowledge instead of hoarding it. But here’s the catch: when you’re doomscrolling, you’re not in control. The algorithm is.

I started to get concerned about how much I loved scrolling, especially when I was bored or lying in bed. I craved the stimulation, the constant noise, the feeling of being entertained and informed.

But over time, I began to feel like my mind wasn’t entirely my own. I realized that I still wanted the stimulation and connection, but I wanted more control over what I was consuming. That’s when I decided to make a change. Here’s how I started making my doomscrolling worth it:

Be Purposeful About What You Consume

The first step was deciding what I actually wanted to focus on. Not everything has to be about learning something complex like AI or tech. I wanted to dive into topics that genuinely interested me.

I was curious about women entrepreneurs and their journeys, I wanted to understand more about fashion beyond the latest trends, and I was fascinated by how people spent their free time. Once I clarified these interests, it became easier to direct my screen time toward them.

Start With YouTube

YouTube became my first step in taking control. Unlike TikTok, YouTube’s recommendations are more closely tied to your search history, which gives you greater control over what you see.

I started searching for creators who aligned with my interests, and before long, my feed was full of content that inspired and educated me.

Once I found creators I liked, I realized many of them were also on TikTok. That’s when I brought my new, intentional approach to TikTok.

Engage With Intentional Content on TikTok

On TikTok, I began following creators who shared the kind of content I wanted to see. I engaged with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing, which helped the algorithm “listen” to me.

Before I knew it, my For You Page was filled with motivational and educational content—things that aligned with my goals and interests instead of mindless entertainment. I started feeling inspired and informed in a way I hadn’t before.

Shift Netflix Habits

My screen time isn’t just about social media—Netflix and other streaming platforms play a role, too. I’ve always loved reality TV, so I decided to channel that interest into documentaries.

I started with ones that feel like reality TV but offer educational value. Right now, I’m watching a series about polo players.

One episode in, and I already know how polo is played and some of its traditions—something I’d never thought about before. This small shift has made my screen time feel more intentional.

Use Social Media as a Tool

Beyond entertainment, I’ve started using social media as a tool to explore new hobbies and ideas. Whether it’s finding a new sport I want to try, a recipe I want to cook, or a new workout, my time online now directly feeds into my offline life.

It’s helped me stay interesting—to myself and others—while keeping me motivated to create more than I consume.

The Results

Since making these changes, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my mood, motivation, and creativity. I’ve stopped letting the algorithm dictate what I should think or feel, and I’ve started to actively shape my digital environment.

While reducing screen time is always a worthwhile goal, my focus has been on making the time I do spend more meaningful. By consuming content that inspires and educates me, I’ve been able to take control of my screen time and use it as a tool for growth.

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself doomscrolling, consider this: what if you could turn those hours into something valuable? Start small.

Decide what you want to learn or focus on, and let that guide your consumption. Engage with content intentionally, explore platforms that give you more control, and use what you find to enrich your offline life.

Social media and screen time don’t have to be mindless—with a little effort, they can be transformative.