Many people struggle to manage their media consumption effectively. Often, we spend far too much time aimlessly scrolling, browsing countless videos, constantly checking newsletters, or listening to podcasts we subscribed to during the pandemic – even if they no longer offer what truly interests or benefits us. To make a change, simply reducing consumption is often not enough. Instead, it’s helpful to consciously reflect on your own consumption habits.
The Difference Between Aimless and Productive Media Consumption
If you are purposefully seeking information, like instructions for building a garden shed, and go through various sources for this purpose, you’re using media in a targeted way. This is very different from aimless consumption – for instance, mindlessly scrolling through social media without any specific goal. This aimless consumption has its place too, as it often provides inspiring or entertaining content that can enrich our lives.
However, it becomes problematic when platforms that rely on our attention try to keep us engaged for as long as possible through well-tailored algorithms. The “YouTube algorithm,” for example, is designed to keep us hooked with targeted suggestions – often longer than we’d like. This type of consumption can unconsciously take up far more time than we originally intended.
Take Inventory of Your Media Consumption
To gain a clear overview of your media consumption, it’s a good idea to conduct a brief inventory. Write down all the media sources you use daily or several times a week. Here are some examples:
- Newsletters
- Podcasts
- Audiobooks
- YouTube
- TikTok
- News sites
- Specialized blogs
Then, go through the list with an open mind and decide intuitively which sources benefit you and which you may want to reconsider. Mark each source with a “+” if you feel it enriches your life, and with a “-” if you question its value or view the time spent as excessive.
Rethink Your Consumption of “Negative” Sources
Next, focus on the sources marked with “-“. Consider what bothers you about them: Is it the amount of time you spend on them, the distracting content, or perhaps the overall “addictive” nature of these sources? This step helps you understand the reasons behind your unproductive consumption and take targeted actions against it.
To reduce distractions, remove all apps from your mobile devices that give you access to “minus” sources. For newsletters, you can create a separate email account that isn’t accessible on your smartphone. If it’s a website, avoid saving it as a bookmark on your mobile browser. This minimizes the temptation to spontaneously “slip” into these media.
Set Fixed Time Blocks for Media Consumption
Another important step is the “timeboxing” method. Set specific times and durations to dedicate to certain media, and consciously block this time in your calendar. During these time slots, you can enjoy your selected content guilt-free and without feeling like you’re wasting valuable time.
Many platforms use algorithms that continually suggest similar content, which often keeps us engaged for longer. If certain suggested content bothers you, you can browse in private mode or use a VPN and ad-blocker plugins. Also, if you decide in advance what type of content you want to view, you’ll be less likely to follow the platform’s suggestions.
What to Do If You Slip Up
If you find yourself consuming media longer than planned, stay calm. It’s normal to overindulge occasionally. Just try to return to your planned behavior the next day. However, if you find it hard to stick to your time slots over an entire week, it may be worth “fasting” from that source for a while. Avoid it for a month, then gradually reintegrate it into your media diet.
It can also be helpful to periodically unfollow podcasts, YouTube channels, or other subscriptions temporarily. The content doesn’t disappear, but you won’t automatically be drawn in, giving you time to try out new things. If you find you genuinely miss a channel or podcast, you can reintroduce it into your media routine later.
Consider Alternative Distraction Strategies
It’s also very important to plan ahead for moments when you might slip into “consumption mode.” Instead of reaching for your smartphone, consider picking up an interesting magazine, listening to your favorite music, or carrying a book with you. These alternatives can help distract you from the “search behavior” associated with the internet and regulate your digital media consumption to a productive level.
Checklist:
- Make a list of all media sources you use daily or several times a week.
- Mark each source with “+” (enriching) or “-” (worth reconsidering).
- Analyze the “-” sources and consider what bothers you about them.
- Remove apps from your smartphone that provide access to “-” sources.
- Set fixed time blocks for media consumption and mark them in your calendar.
- If you frequently exceed the time blocks, pause the source for a month.
- Regularly unfollow podcasts, YouTube channels, and other subscriptions to lighten the load.
- Keep alternatives like a magazine or music ready to distract yourself.