Addicted to Binge-Watching? How to Stop Wasting Your Brain's Potential
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- čas přidán 23. 11. 2023
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WHO AM I?
Hey there, I’m Cinzia DuBois. I’m a part-time, self-funded PhD student and CZcamsr, Podcaster and writer. I’ve been creating videos for over thirteen years. I discuss productivity, personal development, PhD, academia and mental well-being on this channel. On my main channel, I talk about all things dark and ancient history, literature and folklore. - Jak na to + styl
Paradoxically I think that one of the most toxic CZcams content are self-improvement videos. We're constantly bombarded with information about what we should change, how we should develop, what we should achieve before 30 or 40, how to learn a new skill, new language, launch business etc. etc. Seemingly it's all very positive, but because there are so many of these videos we actually don't feel accomplished at all, quite the opposite we feel like we're constantly missing on something and that other 'people in the internet' are using their time in such a better ways than we do, which is probably a total bs in 95% of cases.
You are right.
You are so right. It's just too much and overwhelming.
i understand what you mean. What helped me was actually just focusing on my life, removing the input from self help videos (for the most part). And focusing on just actions. Actions. And also tried to enjoy my life a little by doing a few things for myself.
This resonates so much. I use YT to distract me from chores and work. My sleep pattern is horrible because I watch content. I mindlessly consume content when I actually wanna be reading😩
You aren’t the only one. Stimulation is additive and these apps know how to suck us in
I'm on the same sinking boat... I'm trying to escape the vicious cycle, but it has been so hard. Especially because part of me doesn't want to, it is comfortable to mindlessly watch YT. I will try those extensions to block the YT suggestions.
We can break out of this!
omg me too! i WANT to be reading yet i spend hours on youtube instead.....
@@Hiyeee we got this!!
This is me as well. I have it on good authority that the best way out is total detox for a week or two and noticing all the things you like about real life world. I got that from er- CZcams!
I used binge-watching/listening, eating food and being obese, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day as a cope in this way for years. Then I actually got a DVT that turned into a pulmonary embolism that nearly killed me. Then I regulated my content consumption, quit smoking, and lost almost 200-lbs. Crap will rot your brain. The journey out of the darkness is hard fought, but on the other side is an engaging life worth living.
How did you lose it? Any tips for me?
Trying to quit mindless media consumtion is harder than when i quit drugs and went fully sober. I just feel such apathy and don't know how to fill out the empty space.
My problem is that I can’t binge watch. When I have free time or on break from school, I can finally sit down and watch the show/movies I wanted for the past few months… only to not complete any.
I have a similar problem, it's not even that I can't binge watch, even watching an episode is sometimes too much. I have several shows and many movies I want to watch but when I'm in a heightened state of anxiety/stress (which is too often) I find them too stressful OR I can't concentrate long enough. What helps me sometimes is either reading spoilers or watching the end first xD Knowing the outcome I can relax. Watching with someone else can be helpful too. At this point in my life I don't even want to binge anything but watching an episode or two of something can be nice.
Your nervous system is on alert. Does not know the difference between running from lions and exams. Maybe take up yoga, tai chi, meditation, or CBT
@@SelfHelpShelfno
I feel the same. I often start a movies but don’t finish. I feel like I need to be doing something else when I am just sitting and watching. I find myself constantly pausing to get up and grab something or whatever instead of finishing the movie. I agree with M_SC, doing an activity like yoga, thai chi, meditation, or even knitting, playing an instrument, or making something with your hands might help. Basically an activity where you are not just passively watching/consuming but rather activity doing might be what you are actually craving instead of a movie.
@@augustlunaonline There is nothing wrong with watching a film it is a great way to unwind ( if you can) and certainly nothing to feel guilty about.
I'm also addicted to youtube and can't stop it. It's weird because I don't even watch netflix or similar. It's just youtube, something about the constant short videos is what seems to make me lose all control and spend hours each day on it. I hate and hate myself for it.
I don't think you mentioned what the extension is though?
I believe it's called Unhook (I use it myself and I recommend it!)
Hello! I have the same problem. What I did was to put a limit on my phone, and after an hour for example, the app shuts off on my phone. You have the possibility to get 15 more minute or switch it off, but it’s still a form of getting your brain to think about it again. :)
Hi, I know it's been one month, but if youre interested I use two extensions: Unhook and StayFree website blockers. It's really great if you watch youtube on your laptop or pc. Unfortunately I don't think there's anything else like this on phone. My solution was to just simply delete the youtube app if you have it and block youtube as website in your browser. Hope this helps!
i use the extension unhook, it's a really good one at modifying your youtube to remove subscriptions, comments, recommendations, shorts, etc
Same. First, I switched from my phone to my Monitor. Then, I added a standing desk extension to my moniter. Slowly, its making me realize more and more how much I SIT to watch YT. Or binge watch in general. So one step at a time, I'm realizing the habit and now I have to find a way to make it unattractive. Well, with the extension, I have risks of more neck pain from the monitors stand thingy being so tall, its not at eye lenght now....and then the arm and mouse movement has RAPIDLY caused horrendous arm and hand pain. This isn't even from me even starting my sale eng. job. That's brought up expensive massages. So yeah..... I'm with you. You feel bad about yourself and hurt and still cannot stop... But trust me, all it takes is one small step at a time. Nothing good has ever come for me from trying things 'cold turkey'. From just not watching on my phone, all this has happened so now I'm standing, doing more and more and less and less 'tv'. Good luck Friend!
Jesus honestly this so resonates with me. Where is my love for life? Where did all of my hobbies go now?
Scarcely had I thought about my binge-watching problem than your new video popped up in my notifications...truly a mind-reader!
Thank you in advance💓
I've been feeling this lately. I used to turn off my phone and read a book before bed, I loved the silence and quiet, the moment to introspect and get immersed in a story. But lately my thoughts are racing, I just came out of a job that left me completely burned out, I'm trying to decide what my next steps will be, I'm thinking if I should leave my country and how I would manage it, and all of this has made be incredibly dependent on youtube as a noise to drown out my thoughts.
I don't like this in myself, I'm wasting time that I should be reading or sleeping. I can't organise my thoughts properly because I'm constantly avoiding them, and at the end of the day, binge watching is just one more way to try to escape problem. And we all know that never really works does it?
I had been thinking of blocking youtube on my phone browser and get back to a time when I didn't watch anything on the phone. Ironically, it was this youtube video that gave me the strength to do so, so thanks Cinzia.
This video really resonated with me, specially the first part where you talked about dreading the silence and what it meant: engaging with your thoughts. It's like if there's enough outside noise, there's not going to be any room left for thoughts to surface. I feel so inspired after hearing your experience, I'm ready to make some positive changes!
Thank you, Cinzia! 💕
So true, it hurts... Literally… Had to remove veins in my leg just a few months ago from working to much from home on the weekends…
''The mind is its own place, and can make a heaven of hell, or a hell of heaven;'' writ Milton.
Our thoughts are our own, so our life. We choose ourselves and bear witness our life.
You've put into words exactly how I've been feeling for a couple of years now. Thank you for making this video!
Every video you talked about loneliness and burnout resonated with me so much. Thank you for being there talking about these things. I’m also a self funded phd student. Probably because I’m self funded, I was always neglected in my department. My supervisor seems doesn’t care about me as well although I worked very hard and published articles required for graduation. Luckily I’m going to graduate soon. I literally have no parents to support me, my partner is also faraway in another country. And I also have to take care of my kid, who is seriously autistic, which is also the reason why I have no social life and no friends. I have to take care of my son when I’m not studying. Just want to say thank you for making those videos. U don’t know to what extent they have supported me to walk so long on this journey, especially on those darkest days. People will say that, you should get support. While, it’s not as easy as saying it. I remembered in one of your videos you mentioned that social support is not accessible for everyone and you are the only one among everyone I knew, mentioned that having people around to support yourself is a privilege.
That sounds really tough, I hope you're able to access more support soon. I really relate about social support being an overlooked privilege. People with large, local, supportive families with money and no history of trauma have a big advantage in life. I have had a lot of social support in the past but as I got older it has reduced and it definitely makes life harder and more lonely, and requires much more effort on my behalf to find new groups to try to build a network, which is challenging because not everyone wants to connect or be part of my network and some people have pretended to want to be my friend when they only wanted to take from me. I wish you good luck with your PhD and may we all find more good local people to connect with soon.
Stay strong.. You're doing great
May God be with you and the people arround you.
amen
This sounds so melodramatic, but I truly mean it when I say your videos have changed my life. Thank you so much.
CZcams is fully controlling my life at this point. I've known that it's an addiction for about 5 or so years now, but i got hooked since i was like 11-12.. i'm almost 21 now, so i grew up with it. I missed lots of opportunities for friendships, developing skills and just doing things i love. Every time i try to stop or at least detox it never works. I'm really tired of all this content. My memory is shit at this point too. This video made me really emotional, hopefully i can get out of this cycle. There are good days where i regulate and feel better, but it's a long journey. Thanks for the video.
My issue is that a lot of the time I watch things that I have no interest in. I have been trying to get better at this.
This is extremely relateble, I have for a long time fallen into the binge-watching hole for years now I've recognised this problem and I absolutely hate it, constantly trying to dig out of the hole, but it ain't easy for my particular mind
What an amazing video!! I discovered CZcams during the lockdown and have been hooked ever since. I quite exercising, eat (even my meals), while watching it, and have even been put on antidepressants! Today is my 68th birthday and here I am, back on CZcams. This video popped up after I saw your no spend video from this summer. These two videos are a wake-up call for me!! Time to get off the computer and start my old hobbies again😃
happy birthday 💗
Try being a Maladaptive Daydreamer.
I started doing it as a coping mechanism.
It's hard to stop and anything can trigger it.
How does that actually work? I've read about it, but the descriptions are so vague.
@@Ana_Paula.Frasson Like your mind is Wikipedia & you keep clicking on a hyperlink that leads you to the next article. When does it end?
@@Heyu7her3. No, but like, I wanna know how it feels like. Like, does it feel like the dream is real? Or they know they are dreaming and just can't get out of it? They feel like they can talk or touch the people in the dream like a dissociation state? Is it always the same dream scenario or does it change? The dreams can repeat themselves multiple times or it's always changing? Is like normal dreams that you can't remember most of it when you wake up or the memories are manteined? It has to be triggered or it can happen randomly? They do it sitted or layed like a normal dream or does it happen while walking and doing other stuff? You know, how it actually plays out.
I felt so sick watching this video I was almost not able to finish it. This completely describes me. It started with ASMR videos like people restoring stuff, mowing people's backyards even watching people playing videogames from consoles I don't even have. I noticed it started affecting my social interactions since I find hard time to focus now and what's even more important, affecting my parent/daughter time. Thank you so so much, I'll try from now on to d-tox from all this meaningless content bombarding my brain. Let's see how it goes, i'm a bit afraid to be now alone with my thoughts, haven't done that in a while.
i could not even bring myself to read past the second sentence of this comment the first time around, as i couldn't handle you describing me so accurately. I am in such a deep rut of youtube with stacks of books in front of me that I want to read... what am i doing?!
@@Enhancedlieshow are you now?
Your videos are absolutely wonderful, thank you so much, Cinzia! ^^
I went through this exact thing in 2007, haven't watched main steam TV since. I only watch educational or positive CZcams and the occasional film now. I'm someone who has hyper-fixations, these can be about anything, from coding, mountaineering or DIY to jigsaws, jump rope or chateaux diaries. at the moment I'm obsessed with learning about personal finance. These fixations (obsessions) can last for anything from a few weeks to months and then disappear only to be followed by a kind of lull/boredom and then another one comes along, so now I use these to better myself or be creative by watching YT about whatever I'm currently interested in. In 2007 I hit a point where I simply couldn't tolerate the stupidity of TV adverts, soaps and game-shows anymore, they infuriated me to the point where it ruined my day, I felt insulted that this is was entertainment had to offer me. So I rebelled and said no more, ever, I'm just not doing it. It was then I realised that we have a 'brain diet' as well as a physical diet and how important its role was in our quality of life. Never been happier or more fulfilled ❤
Have you read "4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman? A lot of what you're talking about here reminds me of that book, particularly the chapter about distraction!
Resonated with me. I'd always wondered why I keep watching videos that are not interesting even though I'm very tired.
how are you now?
@@38k25m Same..
One of the very few YT channels that are both intellectually stimulating and _neccessary_ . Other than self-help gurus this channel isnt giving me the feeling like im being fooled into a useless thought loop i likely will forget about.
Thank you for doing what youre doing Cinzia🙏🏼
I absolutely love this video and the way you worded everything. Even though these past couple months I faced actual extremely difficult life challenges, I noticed I am feeling better than I have ever felt in two years. while listening to you I realized its because I changed the type of content I watched. its crazy to say this right now but I used to watch things that made me BORED! or sad, or disappointed with the world. basically CZcams and TikTok drama, politics, crime, debates etc. and those were LENGTHY some of them were 2 hours long! and id get bored or feel bad but strangely id still watch! so one day I decided to stop "settling" for bad media or things that make me feel bad like the crime videos, because I realized how much it affects my mental health. I stopped clicking on those type of videos and searched for things I like, and my main page changed. I slowly got back into art and my other hobbies and watching films and tv shows, videos that were about the beauty of life and humans, videos that actually held meaning! and I started to feel like myself again. and its insane how much that makes you feel better even if your life circumstances are actually worse lol.
This will be such a helpful video. I saw the notification and knew I have to watch, because this is literally what I'm ruining my life with.
You inspired me to give up social media content, not so long ago and my life really improved. I was thinking of doing it earlier but your video pushed me over the edge. Thank you for that.
I also think I should reconsider background noise I consume. Some food for thought. You are a vise lady.
I feel so called out watching this 🙈 I fought so many years against having a smartphone, but had to get one in 2020 due to a new job... Now, I hardly can brush my teeth without running some youtube video in the background. I don't think I can go completely binge watch-free like you do, but I definitely strive for a life where my phone is not the first thing I reach for in the morning! This video was a tough but good wake up call, so thank you 💜
This is exactly where I am in my existence right now. I think I've watched the exact same CZcams channel on repeat three times just to keep the sound of them in my head the sound of my issues out. Between workouts and therapy, I feel like it's getting better, but I have a long way to go. I already dropped a lot of my social media apps. I don't want CZcams to be one of them because I learn so much from CZcams, but I binge way too much.
This was such an useful video. I have been feeling something similar towards mindlessly watching CZcams. Thank you for your tips 🙂
Haha! I know the video you're talking about. I found myself being reeled in, too. I need noise in the background when I work late at night, so I'm not jumping at every sound in the building. Most of the time, those kinds of videos work for that. If I need to really think about a video, I set special times once or twice a week. Too much time, though, can be overwhelming.
Kudos to you for posting a video like this. I too have been hiding from the trauma, loneliness and sadness that is my life by watching hour after hour of CZcams videos: I can't even enjoy my own home any more - I have to go out somewhere (anywhere!). I used to be able to sit and read for hours, but I can't now. I haven't watched TV since 2018 but CZcams has taken over but I have resolved to wean myself off it in 2024 where it becomes a treat rather than a necessity. My sleep patterns are so out of skew too. Thanks for the kick up the bum!! x
Thank you so much for the extension to avoid CZcams recommendations idea, I love it. Now I just watch what I actually look for instead of going down a rabbit hole of millions of videos.
I just found your CZcams and I find so much of it relatable and at the same time trying not to binge watch your content 😂. Thank you for sharing your struggles.
Brilliant Cinzia. Back when we could only watch TV for entertainment or listen to the radio, we were restricted to certain times when our favourite tv shows were on or we must record them tto watch later. People were still critical of watching for these hours, even though these were times were people read books and left the house for social activities. What about leaving these activities for a Friday night binge? I am also sick of youtube, however, I am so used to it filling up my life.
That jumper is amazing!
I'm glad i clicked on this video cos i saw the phrase 'binge-watching' and thought 'well my problem is I don't binge watch TV shows or films, I just watch shitty YT vids constantly and I'm feeling oddly exhausted from it but can't stop'. Everything you've said resonates. I need to look up that extension (although i assume it's only for a computer and not for mobile). I've been meaning to get a library card so i can access audiobooks, but currently having issues accessing one. Maybe it's worth going to audible til i can sort out a library card cos this has to stop. Either way, this video has been scary yet necessary, thank you
My friend just recommended this video and oh my god this is so relatable to me. And it's not like "Yeah, thanks cap", it's actually somebody pointed me at the problem i was afraid to face. Thank you.
Also your manner of speaking and spelling words is very effective for are non-native english speakers so basically i learning english right now. Thank you for that too.
Yes that silence when everything is turned off can be quite confrontational, especially when it reveals the emptiness in the mind, the emptiness of a life that has no intrinsic meaning on its own.
My grandma used to say to me: "Books are nutrition for your mind, so don't eat from the garbage can". I think it can be also applied to media, we should choose wisely what we watch.
While I understand this, I still have problems with not watching something in the background. It has been better since I've started to avoid media in the morning. But it's hard still, especially when I'm feeling unwell and need comfort.
I just unsubscribed from over 250 CZcams channel in order to get my late night binge watching under control. Thanks fot the tip!
I feel the same in some ways. I had a similar feeling at my large book collection, which is filling the house. I read a lot, but there is far more I have not read in the collection, and I felt dispirited. I posted about it on Instagram and a Japanese friend said there is pleasure to be found in the collecting itself. Gave me a new insight into things and curbed my fear of being a hoarder! However, not sure the same logic can be applied to bulk viewing low-grade "content'.
On the sedentary sitting topic, I think we will look back as a human race in 100 years' time and see computer-based work and leisure as some terrible early unethical, work-house style unhealthy work and lifestle. It's disappointing being part of the dawn of the computing age where our computer-based tools and systems are like an early flint knife in the stone age and require us to stare at them for ages for pleasure or communication. Another 1000 years of computer development and things will be much more interesting. Boardgames FTW! :). The stone age lasted for 3.4million years.
It happened to me in the Pandemic, tough I was woroking from home, I almost didn't read a book in a year. That helped me to organise my time a llitle better. Do I watch videos about music, history documentaries? Yes, but I divide my time spare time between that, reading, playing the guitar, going out. Etc. Is good to take the decision to administrate better what you do. Thanks for the video Lady!
This video is the external wake up call I needed. There was one academic year I was amazingly productive, well organised, strict about my rest, my sleep, my time off dedicated to hobbies, my exercising, and I felt no pressure because it was all perfectly tailored to my life then and made me feel so healthy. Now I just don't know how to get back on track... The idea of fearing your own potential has also come up often in my attempts at analysing my situation, but it's my first time hearing someone else say it. I've gotten rid of all my social media last summer, and that was one step in the right direction, but I have so much more to do including reducing my screen time again (it used to be less than 2 hours per day, all screens included)... Thank you for articulating the thoughts that are so difficult to detangle in our minds!
"Fell into the silence." "Netflix and learn a new skill." I could choose so many examples of you being a writer through and through. Clearing out to that blank page parallels your no buy journey!
it's crazy how deeply I resonate with your content! Thank you for this video!
I struggled with this for a long time, and i've only just started to break out of it. Cinzia, your conversations are really enlightening and thought provoking, I really appreciate that you are revealing a lot about yourself but its really helpful to people like myself, people with a lot of similiarities to yourself. You have a wonderful way of looking at things and some truly great advice, I cannot express that enough. I hope you do not doubt yourself too much when making videos, your perspective on life means the world to those that listen.
I think there's definitely a difference between engaging with the media or art you're watching, and mindlessly binge watching. when I was watching Succession or White Lotus, for example, both shows were already complete to their current point so I say that I "binge watched" them because I watched them so quickly, but I was HIGHLY engaged with them and just kept watching because I was so intrigued. after a few episodes of a series when I would feel my attention waning, I'd turn it off because I didn't feel right not giving it the attention and energy it deserves. as for social media, I have the same feeling sometimes, after a long time of listening to or watching youtube I realize I've been shovelling noise into my brain, and just realize I have to turn it off.
other than that, screens aren't inherently bad. gaming has been shown to maintain and improve cognitive function if done in moderation :) also a fun indoor hobby/escape when it's -100000 C outside here in Canada!
you explained this so perfectly, i feel the same way !
I've been trying so hard to let go of my content addiction. Finally, after years of trying, I can say that I've let go of short content addiction. But, now I find myself addicted to web series, although not the new ones. It's become impossible for me to watch anything new, and I keep re-watching the old stuff. It's funny because I've researched and read a lot about the pitfalls of content addiction, and yet I always end up in the same cycle. With shorts and reels managed, I am focusing my energy on my web series addiction. This video hit home. Thanks 💛
Thank you for bringing awareness to this and extrapolating on it. I only recently subscribed to you, but your points are clear and educational. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for posting this, your struggles mirror mine in an uncanny way and you have inspired me with some hope for a change.
To drop it is sooo hard, that you know it's bad for you and you shouldn't do it, but you still do it. Hm, exactly like an addiction. :|
Switching to audiobooks, CZcams lectures (on literature), and documentaries has had a deep impact on my brain health. I sincerely hope this video reaches the people who need the encouragement to break up with harmful binge watching.
I appreciate your content so much. You consistently give me something to think about and discuss with my students and friends. Thank you!
I have been feeling a lot similar in that I've been just watching stuff on CZcams just to occupy myself the whole bloody day and every day is just groundhog day just because I don't like where I am and it's a coping mechanism of not doing anything about my life because I don't like it, I really resonated with the video you made a while back about leaving everything behind and starting anew, I sometimes feel that way as well, and this served me as a reminder to get off mindless CZcams watching and see what I'm doing. And you're totally spot on about books saving lives. You're doing a massive service to all of us by making these kind of videos. Thank you Cinzia. 🌟
thank you so much for this video!! you literally put words on what I have been feeling for months now
I will be trying out your method and other things from now on but thank you so much for this talk that I really needed
much love and blessings from Tahiti! 🌞
Its amazing how you put your words right on the spot. I'm like yes! yes! that is absolutely true.
I can so resonate with this, I have been doing this for over a year now in response to dealing with a life-changing event and the fallout from it. I will do my darndest to try and consume more mindfully in future, rather than just having something on in the background to be able to tune out from the awfulness around me and in my own head.
New subscriber here! This video was perfect timing, i keep reminding myself i was alive when you only browsed the internet at home on your computer. Youve inspired me to do a 30 day detox from youtube, probably not the best for your algorithm lol.
But i promise to to come back a more balanced person, just going to step outside and enjoy nature for a bit.
You might get some traction doing the writing equivalent of doodling [sketching] by rolling some StoryCubes (or any writing prompt) for unstructured dives.
I am addicted to binge - watching your videos, Cinzia! Actually i am studying English with lots of videos by British people (because i don't like the American accent) but i don't feel unhappy at all, on the contrary, CZcams is the best thing that happened to me latelly. I really adore you accent, it sounds like good music to me. Thank you so much for your content, which i love as well. 🙏
OMG, listening to you is like me talking to myself. ironically, i am grateful i have stumbled upon your video today.
not me literally having seen the video you alluded to in the beginning not two days ago 💀this was a much-needed video, thank you!
I remember when I had to wait a whole week before getting access to one (less-than-30 minute-bc-of-commercials) episode of my favorite tv series. And you never knew exactly when you would catch your favourite songs on the radio, so often you'd just put it on for a couple of hours, and not pay much attention. Now, I'm plugged in listening to (mostly informative, but still) CZcams daily for an embarrassing number of hours! I certainly need help with this. I will try a few tactics. I live alone and work from home so...
Thank you for being here. Your videos have helped me a lot.
If i feel the silence getting oppressive i put on one of those 3 hour jazz coffee shop videos until I'm bored of listening.
I think we don't often hear many people address the detrimental effects of our media diet because the influencers who could most easily do so are afraid of losing their audience. But I love these chats. Thank you for being courageous and frank. ❤
I needed this today. Literally two days ago I asked in no stupid questions how to stop binging CZcams content (in the sense of how do i stop wasting time searching for videos to line up in a queue) and listen to music or something? No one could really help me.
I understand now with your video it’s not the movement I need but people talking so I don’t think. At the moment I’m a graphic designer who needs to look for work! I need to finish my portfolio! Christmas is coming up and rent also and I don’t want to think of that so I am mindlessly binging content.
I've never heard anyone describe that feeling like your head is going to be sick that accurately... ugh. It's one of the few feelings so horrible I can't bear it, way worse than headaches or the chronic pains I have. Like my head is about to implode. Also how dare you, youtube algorithm, recommend me a video about feeling sick from consuming too much content right when I feel sick from consuming too much content 🤢🙈
Funnily enough, I (re)subscribed after watching this video (I was only not subbed due to making a new account recently). This is serious food for thought. I have thought about this topic a lot over the years and have tried to improve the quality of the content I consume, but lately (the past few years), my selection has gotten pretty big again, I'm reaching for distraction more often, and watching screens too much again. Recently I keep craving reading more than using screens and I barely make the time - one major excuse/stumbling block is that while I'm eating, I can't read so I put on videos. I'm just observing where I'm making excuses and what sets me up to being hooked to the screens, so I can try to change my habits - this video was really inspiring and helpful. I might try to put on music or even sit in silence the next time I eat- then reach for a book or my kobo right afterwards. Anyway, I've enjoyed your content for years, so thank you for the quality you put out there! Take care.
I have the same issue with eating and watching videos and getting sucked in that way.
Have you tried setting a daily limit on CZcams? That really helps me but only if I give the password to a friend.
Your video describes a problem I knew I had, but somehow I wasn't fully conscious of untill I heard someone expressing it
I need to put my life together
Thank you
2:17 I remember scrolling reels and coming across this DIY creator drama and investing so much time trying to understand what really happened even though I've never actually consumed anything similar to that content.
You speak very well, thank you for making this video. It helps a lot
Thanks for this neat brain potential video Cinzia!
much needed message - hope we're able to act on this...
I went through a very similar process a few years back, but I wasn't brave enough to actually empty my Watch Later list, my suscriptions or stop the recommendations. So it got better for some time (and it felt truly incredible not looking at a screen all day long), but eventually the problem started to reappear.
So thank you for making this video! It has inspired me to get a recommendations blocker and will now be re-evaluating my CZcams consumption seriously.
Thank you for your honesty.
I found myself having to very carefully curate my video viewing and social media content consumption, as it was causing me anxiety and depression. Granted, it takes a little extra time and effort to filter and limit what mindless dreck I allow to pour into my vision-balls, but it's well worth it. I get a ton more writing done, and should soon be completing my second novel.
Ngl, its really hard for me to "Binge watch" shows or youtube vids. My brain has a hard time paying attention to anything on screen and audio ever since i was a child, i was more into reading and hands on art while growing up. However i do understand the feeling of needing to be distracted of something by hyperfixating on certain activities though and it sucks. To those that are currently suffering this, i am sorry and i hope you all get the help that you need in time
I've felt that horrible feeling too! I've periodically had to clear out most of my follows on instagram and youtube just to get a refresh. It's hard to not slip back into old habits. Mindless drama videos or "the problem with blank"... I watch a lot of those lol. Some are informative but a lot are kinda drama in disguise. I want to spend time on my hobbies but I feel this magnetic force keeping me in front of my computer. It's very strange and scary.
A much needed video, thank you❤!
I'm taking this video as a sign to change, thanks a lot for explaining that, it put exact words on what I was feeling. As for today, i'm spending almost all day behind my computer, doing nothing, watching in a no brainer state, waiting for the day to end only to feel like absolute trash by the end of it. I used to create a lot, have fun, and I realize now that the happiest times of my life were the ones when I spent the least time on youtube. Today i'm listening to youtube at work, doing chores, anything really. I stand up in the middle of my room listening, too afraid to engage in what I actually want to do, too afraid to lose the accompagniement. I want to change. I want to be back to my former self and free my mind, where I used to flee it. I want to change.
This comment will be the marker of my new journey towards heaing this youtube addiction. I may come back to it in one year. If I don't, it means I completely forgot about youtube, and that's a good sign. If I do, it means I kept thinking about it, which is also a good thing because it meant I always kept this critical voice when indulging in watching stuff here. Thanks again, and see you ! best luck to everyone on the path of happinness and fullfillment !
I realised that growing up around certain CZcams trends. They were helpful initially, like an older sister who gave general advice or guidance about growing up: 'How to be the best at everything in 10 minutes'). As I got older, I realised how mindless some of the content felt. I was being led mindlessly forward. In my actual life, I was prioritising study and self-discipline, which was who I was until my brain was consumed and needed to switch off--as you said, at times with mindless content. I also switched off by falling asleep on a heap of books if it was nighttime. The stress was just all-consuming. I also had severe depression where the only reason to be alive was to enhance my perspective and reconcile myself of past trauma. The matter was far too complex for my brain to initially realise that I should not categorise my life into 'mindlessness' and 'the real me'. There are ways to switch off for ten minutes without distracting yourself from who you are.
I've noticed this as well. Also with video games. I think one of the driving forces is that the effort-to-stimulus ratio is so high, that all other hobbies and interests pale in comparison. Playing video games takes effort, but the reward is insane and tailor-made to be as addicting as possible. Binge watching requires zero effort, and is yet quite mentally stimulating and rewarding to our brains.
In the long run, things that used to require some effort, but was rewarding in usually a much "deeper" way no longer seems worth doing at all. Such as reading books until coming upon just the right book that really connects with you, devouring it in a frenzy and being filled with meaning. Or making music, and one day creating something that really resonates. Same with any creative work.
What's really scary is that your perception can change, and you start to question whether anything that required effort ever really was worth it at all. Fantasies emerge about quitting all obligations and pursuits and just sinking into that pit of mindless indulgence.
Cinzia, Thank you for informing us
Excellent! Thank you!
omg thank you! that's just what I needed
that's amazing of you you cleared CZcams once and never came back. while I have done that so many times only to come back to CZcams to waste my time
The power of passive listening is AMAZING! A few months ago I had an intense response. I listen to audiobooks when I'm working. So I'm not 100% paying attention, obviously. But enough. Which is why I usually pick lighter books, ya know? Well it was the day before my IRL book club meeting and I hadn't ready the book yet so I figured I'd listen to it at work, no biggie. Except it was a Toni Morrison book who apparently write very heavy stuff, which I did not know at the time. So I'm doing my work and something came up that required a bit more brain power so I mentally tuned out the audiobook for a bit, indending on rewinding when I was done. Next thing I know my PTSD is triggered from something going on in the book! Mental and physical symptoms hit me out of no where! Before that, I knew passive reading had an effect on people but I truly thought it was only surface level and really no big deal.
This is an eye-opening video. Thank you
thanks really needed to hear this
I guess I should say thank you. I never thought to look for an extension that clears my CZcams home page. This should certainly make it easier to cut down on excessive video watching.
Just felt the need to tell someone i am going to stay off the internet for an entire month, going into the new year. And i do mean that verb precisely, "stay.". I will still "use" the internet. I will still use Libby and Hoopla to borrow library books, use streaming services to watch tv, use Amazon to buy books, and obviously as a customer service rep, obviously i use the internet to eatn a pay check. What i am purposefully avoiding is "being on" the internet, or making it a part of who i am. Unfortunately that means getting off of CZcams and not listening to almost all the podcasts i listen to. I need to take a break and figure out what i believe in and what the truth is. It will be a difficult, but welcome break.
It is about me. I watched the same 40 minute crochet drama on tik tok video lol, and even though I'm crocheting loveys from my friends' children for my anxiety and depression (apart from taking meds) I am at fault of consuming most of youtube videos that are proposed to me by algorithm. But hey, this is how I found your channel as well xD
I relate to this quite well!
And they really set it up to make it so easy to fall in this trip. It's fast, quick, seamless, and with no end. Took a page right of the slot machines design.
Appreciate your take on it.
I haven't had any fun lately, 😭 You bring me joy!❤🙂I love the kind and generous heartwarming atmosphere that you create, your kind, easygoing, warm vibe. ❤I like the essence how you live on. I need to be true to myself and find a job I am passionate about. I want to find a way to live as who I really am.
Thanks for your insights!