Why Solitaire Calms You But Social Media Drains You | Cognitive Rhythm Explained 🧠

Why Solitaire Calms You But Social Media Drains You: Cognitive Rhythm Explained 🧠

Hey everyone, Emma here! Have you ever noticed how playing Solitaire for an hour feels relaxing, but ten minutes of scrolling through social media leaves you completely drained? It's not just you. Let me break this down for you.

Imagine this: you're sitting comfortably on your couch, casually playing Solitaire on your phone. The methodical movement of cards, the clear rules, and the immediate feedback create a predictable pace. This consistent rhythm helps your brain process information steadily. It’s like a soothing background beat for your mind. Each card's placement is deliberate, each move calculated, reinforcing a sense of control and calm.

Now, let’s switch gears. When you open a social media app, what do you see? A barrage of posts, images, and videos, each vying for your attention. It's like an unpredictable storm of stimuli. Your brain is forced to constantly switch contexts, struggling to keep up. This chaos disrupts your cognitive rhythm, leading to mental exhaustion. No wonder we feel so drained after just a few minutes of scrolling.

The concept here is cognitive rhythm - the way our brains handle different types of information flow. When that rhythm is steady and predictable, like with Solitaire, it’s calming. When it’s chaotic and irregular, like with social media, it’s draining.

Understanding this can help us make better choices for our digital wellbeing. Next time you reach for your phone, think about what kind of rhythm you’re inviting into your mind.

Keep this in mind and remember, investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.

#DigitalWellness #CognitiveScience