It’s a familiar pattern.

You reach for your phone or laptop.

You start by checking your messages, responding to whoever’s important.

Once that’s done, your browsing goes more free form.

At first, it’s fun.

There might be a new meme to enjoy.

Perhaps someone’s said something controversial, and now they’re being cancelled.

(always good to know which side you’re on)

But as time goes on, the initial rush from the new content starts to fade.

Everything becomes increasingly familiar.

Although there are superficial differences, its essence is the same.

Yet you can’t pull yourself away.

You keep going.

I’m wondering why it’s so hard to stop?

Perhaps there’s something reassuring about seeing other people’s material?

Alternatively, perhaps there’s a fear that once you stop, you’ll feel more alone.