Open Letter | Teen Ink

Open Letter

May 28, 2024
By Anonymous

To College Students: 


In today's day and age, college students are bombarded with distractions that hinder their pursuit of deeper meaning and personal growth. Social media, especially the phenomenon of doom scrolling, has elevated the relentless pursuit of instant gratification, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. 

Doom scrolling, the mindless consumption of endless social media feeds, leads to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, contributing to a diminished sense of self-worth. It's a cycle that repeats itself, as the constant path of immediate pleasure that diminishes long-term goals and destroys creativity and innovation. Along with that, doomscrolling has shown to have pyscholoigical effects including anxiety and depression. But there's hope. By embracing delayed gratification, students can reclaim their lives and cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Instead of succumbing to the allure of social media, they can replace doom scrolling with activities that boost happiness and motivation, such as meditation, engaging in long-term tasks, or fostering meaningful connections. Furthermore, by prioritizing activities that resonate with their authentic selves, students can align their actions with their goals and aspirations. Purpose-driven individuals are more likely to prioritize meaningful pursuits, push past obstacles, and strive for excellence.

It's essential to recognize the detrimental effects of excessive social media use on mental health and well-being. By understanding the impact of constant stimulation on dopamine levels, students can take proactive steps to limit their screen time and foster a healthier relationship with technology by incorporating practices that promote mindfulness and self-awareness, such as meditation or cold showers, which can help students break free from the cycle of instant gratification and cultivate a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Moreover, fostering a supportive community that encourages mindful technology use and promotes meaningful connections can provide students with the necessary support to navigate the challenges of instant gratification.

In conclusion, by acknowledging the pitfalls of instant gratification and embracing delayed gratification, college students can reclaim their lives, cultivate purposeful living, and ultimately find greater fulfillment and happiness. It's a journey worth embarking on, leading to a more purposeful and fulfilling college experience.


Sincerely,

Jonathan


The author's comments:

When entering college, it could be a scary yet exciting experience. Although the thought of living college life is seen as positive, we often get carried away and forget to be in the moment. 


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