Design For Life

I’m addicted to social media, but don’t want to give it up entirely

This week, expert Louize Carroll advises a reader who needs social media for work, but is exasperated by the sheer amount of time they inevitably end up spending on it

As humans, we are in a David and Goliath situation with social media: our brains against billions of dollars’ worth of super computers that aim to keep us engaged. Illustration: Getty

Dear Expert,

I think I’m addicted to social media. I’ve tried a number of times to cut down or cut it out completely, but I always end up reinstalling the apps to check something in particular and gradually get pulled back in. It starts with just checking them a few times a day. Then a few times an hour. Before I know it I’m scrolling on Instagram every morning before getting out of bed, and ...