I got tired of Instagram. Not just the endless scrolling — but the nonstop selling. Everyone pushing something. A product. A course. A life-changing idea.
At first, I ignored it. Kept scrolling. But slowly, the boredom crept in. Scrolling wasn’t fun anymore. It felt…empty.
So, I asked myself why (shoutout to therapy for that). Turns out, I wasn’t bored — I was craving something different. Not deep, academic stuff. Something to absorb instead of staring at post after post with nothing to take away.
That’s when I remembered how much I loved reading. And how I’d kinda…given up on it. News was too depressing. Romance novels started feeling repetitive. So, without realizing it, I replaced books with social media.
Then, I found Medium. And honestly? It saved me. (I swear I’m not getting paid to say this!)
Less instant gratification, more effort. But the difference? I wasn’t just consuming — I was absorbing.
It felt like my brain had been starving. And for the first time in a long time, I actually fed it.
Why We Scroll: Dopamine vs. Depth
Ever noticed how hard it is to stop scrolling, even when you’re not enjoying it? That’s not an accident. Social media apps are designed to keep you hooked. Every swipe gives you a tiny dopamine hit — a little reward that keeps you coming back.
It’s junk food for your brain. You feel full, but there’s nothing of substance.
Medium, blogs, long-form content? They take more effort. No quick dopamine rush — just depth. They make you think. And yeah, that can be harder at first. But it’s also so much more satisfying.
The paradox? Both are endless. But one leaves you drained, and the other leaves you enriched.
So why does some content feel empty while other content sticks? It all comes down to how you take in information.
How We Absorb Information: The 4 Learning Styles
Not all content clicks with everyone. We all process information differently. You’ve probably heard of the four main learning styles:
- Visual learners → Need images and videos to process ideas. (Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest)
- Auditory learners → Learn best by listening. (Podcasts, audiobooks, voice notes)
- Read/Write learners → Prefer written words. (Medium, blogs, Substack)
- Kinesthetic learners → Need hands-on interaction. (Workshops, real-world practice)
Social media is built for visual learners. If you take in information better by reading or listening, Instagram and TikTok might not be all that satisfying. They’re fun, sure — but sometimes, you need something with more substance.
That was my realization. I absorb things better through reading. So why was I spending hours on fast, flashy content that didn’t stick?
The Shift: From Passive to Active Learning
Here’s what changed when I swapped scrolling for reading:
I actually remembered stuff. Articles made me think. Instagram posts? Gone from my brain in five seconds.
I felt less anxious. Social media throws too much at you, too fast. Reading slowed things down.
I engaged more. Instead of tapping “like” on a post, I found myself bookmarking ideas, reflecting on them, and even applying them.
It wasn’t about quitting Instagram. It was about choosing better content — stuff that matched my learning style and actually stuck.
How to Scroll Smarter (Not Just Less)
So, how do you swap mindless scrolling for something better? Here’s what worked for me:
1. Find What Works for You
If you’re a visual learner, follow accounts with infographics that actually teach you something. If you learn best by listening, swap TikTok for a podcast. If you prefer reading, make Medium or blogs your go-to instead of Twitter.
2. Swap One Scroll for Something Better
Next time you grab your phone out of habit, pause. Instead of opening Instagram, open Medium or Substack. Ten minutes of intentional reading can shift your mindset.
3. Follow People Who Make You Think
My Instagram used to be full of influencers selling me stuff. Now, I follow writers and creators who share insights, not just aesthetics.
Who you follow matters. What you consume shapes how you think. Make a thoughtful decision.
4. Actually Absorb What You Read
I used to read something interesting and forget it five minutes later. Now, I slow down. If something resonates, I sit with it. Maybe take a note. Maybe just let it marinate.
The goal isn’t to rush through content — it’s to actually absorb it.
Scrolling Isn’t Bad — But Choose Wisely
Look, I’m not quitting Instagram. I love memes and cat videos too much. But I’ve learned to pay attention to how I feel after scrolling.
Do I feel inspired? Drained? Did I actually gain something?
For me, switching to Medium wasn’t about cutting distractions — it was about making my time online more intentional. I wanted to absorb, not just skim. To learn, not only scroll.
So next time you catch yourself deep in the scroll, pause.
Does this feel good? Or are you just killing time?
If it’s the latter, maybe try switching it up. Open Medium. Substack. A blog. Ten minutes can make a difference.
Your brain deserves better content. Feed it well. 
