Scroll, swipe, self-destruct

By Dr Utkarsh Shah
Critical Care Medicine Specialist

Short-form videos—or "reels"—have become an inseparable part of daily life. Whether it's Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or TikTok, we scroll for a quick laugh or dose of entertainment. But beneath the harmless exterior lies a growing problem: reel addiction, now emerging as a serious mental and behavioural health concern.

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A hit of dopamine with every swipe

Each reel we watch triggers the release of dopamine, the brain's reward chemical. This same hormone is activated by gambling, sugar, and even drugs. The unpredictability of what comes next—the funny clip, shocking fact, or viral trend—keeps our brains hooked. Psychologists call this "variable reward reinforcement"—the same principle used in slot machines. Research in Behavioral Neuroscience (2022) has shown that these videos stimulate the brain's mesolimbic reward system, similar to addictive substances. The more we consume, the more we crave, leading to a dangerous cycle of endless scrolling.

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Hormonal imbalance and sleep disturbance

Reel addiction doesn't just affect mental focus—it disrupts hormones:

1. Dopamine: Initially gives pleasure but becomes harder to satisfy over time.
2. Cortisol: Stressful or emotional content spikes this hormone, increasing anxiety.
3. Melatonin: Night-time scrolling suppresses this sleep hormone, worsening insomnia.
4. Serotonin: Reduced due to social withdrawal and poor sleep, contributing to low mood.

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Not just a habit—It's an addiction

If you find yourself saying "just one more" and losing hours, it's a red flag. These apps are designed to maximise screen time, not mental health. Reels can steal our attention, ruin productivity, and increase loneliness—even as we scroll through hundreds of faces.

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Regaining control:

• It's possible to reclaim control:
• Use screen time trackers to limit usage
• Keep devices away before bedtime
• Take a "dopamine detox" day—no reels, no social media
• Replace scrolling with reading, exercise, or real conversations
• Encourage children and teens to engage in hobbies and outdoor play

Reels are entertaining—but unchecked use comes at a cost. Let's pause, reflect, and act before a habit becomes a form of self-destruction.

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Published in Lokmat Times, Nagpur Main, Page No. 8, Jul 10, 2025