Students Try to Step Away from Endless Scrolling

College students live in a world of constant notifications, endless scrolling, and academic pressure. For a generation raised on smartphones, screen time is not just a habit, it’s a way of life. But evidence links excessive device use to declining mental health and poor academic performance, and students are starting to push back. What’s emerging is a shift: a growing effort to take control of technology rather than be controlled by it. “Funny enough, an Instagram account dedicated to a digital detox has helped me find times and ways to step away from my phone,” said Karl Lewis, a junior at The City College of New York (CCNY). 

But the widespread problem persists. The Pew Research Center found that teens and young adults average nine hours a day of screen time,  with half reporting they are online “almost constantly.” Researchers and health experts warn that this level of use can take a toll. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that excessive screen time is associated with poorer academic performance, reduced sleep, and increased mental health challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports rising rates of anxiety and depression among young people, and a study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face a significantly higher risk of developing mental health problems.   

Pew’s 2025 research found that 44% of concerned parents say social media is the biggest negative influence on teen mental health.  “I realized I spent about seven hours a day on my phone and another four on my computer. Half my day was gone, mostly on unproductive activities like scrolling,” said Oliver Martinez, a CCNY student.

But the students who want to take control have developed strategies.  Martinez made small but impactful changes: he avoids screens for the first 30 minutes after waking up and limits distractions by keeping only one tab open while working. The impact has been immediate. “My motivation has increased. I used to delay tasks and even skip the gym because I got distracted. Now I feel more productive, and my mind is clearer,” he said. His experience highlights how even modest boundaries can improve focus and overall well-being. 

Justin Perez, a student at Baruch College, made changes during the past year. He said, “I love being on my screens like anyone else– video games, TV, or scrolling–but my social life started to suffer.” Instead of relying on texts and social media, Perez began prioritizing  personal interactions. He now regularly plans outings with friends, from board games to hangouts, and said, “It’s strengthened our connections. Nothing replaces being in the same room together.” His shift reflects a broader realization among students that digital communication cannot fully substitute real-world relationships. 

Karl Lewis feels deeply connected to his phone. “My phone is a part of my life,” he said. “I don’t really remember a time without it. Social media is the major reason my screen time hits around 10 hours some weeks. It’s addictive to scroll. I know it’s not good for my health to be glued to my screen and I’m actively working on ways around it.  I downloaded an app that locks your phone for a specific amount of time, and I use that when I’m studying and doing homework because I often find myself distracted after I get a notification and a  response to a text would end up with me watching Instagram reels. Working out has also given me another way to step away because with constant movement I can barely use my phone and it also helps clear my mind.”

Recently a federal jury in Los Angeles found Meta and Google liable for designing addictive platforms, a verdict that also might signal a turning point. As awareness grows, the push to disconnect at least in part may become a defining feature of this generation’s relationship with technology. Justin Perez reflected on the decision: “I hope this is a step in the right direction. Since the companies are being held accountable we can work to repair the issues and protect the next generation.”