Let’s start with reframing how you see your online self: you’re not the audience, you’re not a consumer, you’re not a browser. You’re a creator and a business. (Yes—even if “business” feels yucky.)
When you treat yourself as a consumer, you drift into endless scrolling, consumption of others’ work, and comparison. That dulls your output, makes you insecure, exhausts your focus. Instead, treat your feed and social media as a tool for outbound work, not for input-drowning.
The people that you hope to reach with your art don’t care how many hours you spent scrolling. They care what you make. So your job is to post your work, share a bit of story or process, then walk away. Get offline. Go live your life. Those experiences will fuel your best work.
The Science Backing It Up
1. Social media messes with your focus, mood, and even your brain
Heavy social media use has been linked to changes in the brain that look a lot like what happens with addictions.
The endless scroll feature makes you lose track of time, forget what you just saw, and zone out. When apps add small “stops” (like making you click to see more), people actually remember better.
Scientists are now using the phrase “brain rot” to describe what happens when we overload on meaningless content: we get mentally foggy, less emotionally sensitive, and feel worse about ourselves.
“Doomscrolling” — the urge to keep reading bad news or negative posts — is tied to higher stress, anxiety, and depression.
On the bright side: people who consume fresh, original, creative content (instead of the same repetitive stuff) show stronger creative thinking. That means it’s not just how much you consume, but what you consume. Which is why I love sharing my online delights. They inspire me and I hope they will inspire your creativity as well.
2. Rest, boredom, and real-life experiences spark creativity
When your brain is constantly bombarded with content, it doesn’t get the space it needs to connect ideas. A little boredom actually helps your mind wander and come up with new insights.
Many artists say their best ideas come when they step away — traveling, spending time in nature, or diving into hobbies that have nothing to do with their art.
Experiences like listening to music, walking in the woods, or even noticing interesting buildings can reshape your brain, deepen your emotions, and refill your creative energy.
The truth is, inspiration doesn’t come from scrolling more. It comes from stepping back, living your life, and letting your mind breathe.
Why “Drive-by Posting” Works Better Than Endless Scrolling
You avoid burnout. Constantly comparing yourself to others wears you down and drains your creativity.
You focus on creating, not consuming. With less time online, you naturally put more energy into making your own work.
Your mental health improves. Less scrolling means less stress, less anxiety, and less obsession with likes and numbers.
You get better material. Real-life moments — a conversation, a walk, a memory — give you richer ideas than anything you’ll find in a feed.
You trust yourself more. Instead of chasing trends, you start building confidence in your own voice and style.
Got Some Objections?
“But I need to see what’s trending so my art stays relevant.”
Yes and no. You don’t need to watch every microtrend. Pick one hour/week to scan, filter ruthlessly. Better: filter for unexpected ideas, not what everyone is doing.
“I’ll miss out on comments, connections, opportunities.”
Set your windows. Be consistent. Your audience will learn when you show up. Quality of presence > quantity. And those who truly matter will wait for you.
“I can’t turn off my brain — scrolling calms me.”
That’s the trap. Scrolling seduces. Use deep breathing, journaling, walking, or ambient music as reset tools.
Books I Recommend
There are many books out there, but here are a few I have read that will help you learn more.
Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity by David Lynch
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price
Call to Arms
Don’t scroll your life away waiting for “inspiration.” You already are the business. Your work doesn’t come from the feed — it comes from your life, your rest, your broken bits, your weird observations, your daydreams.
So: post your work, close the app, live your life. Let your next artistic creation come from your fresh, hungry brain. That’s how legends are written.
Leave a comment if you would like some actionable steps to break the online addiction and get you to create more.