Overconsumption of social media: How did we get here?
A casual scroll through social media can feel like a harmless distraction, but for many, it quickly spirals into an overwhelming and unhealthy cycle.

In the fast-paced digital age, the world is at our fingertips.
A casual scroll through social media can feel like a harmless distraction, but for many, it quickly spirals into an overwhelming and unhealthy cycle.
Overconsumption of social media has become so common that it’s often seen as the norm rather than a concern—but at what cost?
The allure of endless content, viral videos and a constant stream of updates is undeniable.
Yet, when casual browsing turns into compulsion, it leaves users feeling mentally drained and emotionally exhausted rather than enriched.
Communications and Multimedia Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said social media platforms are designed to keep us engaged.
"Overconsumption happens when casual scrolling turns into a compulsion—you engage without purpose, lose hours to the screen and feel mentally or emotionally exhausted rather than enriched," she told Sinar Daily.
When asked about the warning signs of overconsumption, Mediha explained that the signs are subtle at first but can escalate into behaviours that disrupt daily life.
Mindless scrolling, for instance, is a common habit—spending hours aimlessly browsing apps, losing track of time and ignoring one’s surroundings.
Another red flag is compulsively checking for updates or notifications, even when you know there’s nothing new.
"Mindless scrolling is spending time on apps aimlessly, often losing track of time and ignoring surroundings.
"Overconsumption of social media can also lead to neglecting responsibilities like sacrificing important tasks, sleep or meaningful in-person interactions to stay glued to your screen.
"Not only that, experiencing heightened anxiety, stress or negative self-comparison, leaving you feeling worse than when you started, can also be an impact of overusing social media," she added.
Malaysians, on average, spend eight hours a day online, much of it on social media.
The accessibility of the internet, combined with the omnipresence of smartphones, has made scrolling second nature—whether during commutes, meals or even late at night.
Mediha further pointed out that societal factors contribute to the habit of aimless connectivity, as many users regularly check their phones to keep up with trends, news, or updates from peers and influencers due to the "Fear of Missing Out (Fomo)."
"Social platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram act as virtual spaces for Malaysians to connect and share.
"The popularity of viral videos, live streams and e-commerce adds to their appeal.
"Social media also provides an easy escape from stress or boredom, but this short-term relief can evolve into a deeply ingrained habit over time," she reasoned.
Commenting further, Mediha said the impacts of overconsumption are far-reaching and often invisible at first.
Over time, she explained, individuals may face mental health issues, including chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Here are some of the long-term effects:
- Mental health issues: Amplifies risks of anxiety, depression and chronic stress over time.
- Poor sleep quality: Prolonged screen exposure, especially before bed, interferes with sleep cycles and reduces rest quality.
- Decreased attention span: Constant scrolling can shorten attention span and impair cognitive functions.
- Social isolation: Overuse can reduce face-to-face interactions and deepen feelings of loneliness.
- Self-esteem issues: Frequent comparisons with others online can harm self-image.
- Reduced productivity: Time spent on social media often replaces more meaningful activities.
To address this issues, Mediha urged ursers to set their daily time limits for social media use to help them to regain control over their day.
- Set limits: Set daily time limits for social media to prevent excessive use and regain control over your time.
- Be intentional: Use it for a purpose rather than habitually like connecting with friends or gaining knowledge.
- Curate your feed: Focus on following positive, uplifting content and unfollow accounts that trigger negativity or foster unhealthy comparisons.
- Take breaks: Incorporate regular screen breaks or short digital detoxes to reset and refresh your mindset.
- Prioritise real-life connections: Spend time with loved ones and focus on offline hobbies to create balance.
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