YouTube Addiction Is Real
I would know because I used to be addicted to YouTube. Here’s my story on why and how it happened and when I realized it was stop hitting like and subscribe.
I Never Watched YouTube
I grew up in a household where everyone was too busy. We didn’t watch much television or go to the movies much. As I grew up I started going out with friends to movies and then one day I ended up on this YouTube website because people were sending videos.
Back then YouTube was just a website where you could share videos. A place that was easily accessible. A video storage website for the public to view. It wasn’t until I realized girls were talking about all of the makeup that I could never afford that I became highly interested.
At this time my YouTube viewing time was modest. I had my favorites and would watch them and sometimes a new person or two, but then the world changed. The world changed a lot.
The Rise of Social Media During The Pandemic
The announcement was made. We all had to stay home. We were only to go out if we needed toilet paper and groceries and were to make sure to wear our masks and stay as far away as possible from everyone including our family.
These times were depressing, baffling, and lonely. How does something like this even happen in modern times? How does one cope? We turn to readily available entertainment.
I decided that I wanted to be a freelancer during this time. It was horrible and I ended up going back to work.
Guess what?
The way we work has changed, too.
Employees wanted to work from home. I am the odd one out. I prefer to go into the office to work. I know this is because of my ADHD for me I need hard lines between work and home.
Despite my clear preference for going into the office. I work from home and this is when my YouTube Addiction started.
There Are No Annoying Co-Workers
I’ve been working as a teen. I am used to going to work, multi-tasking, and being interrupted a million times to assist a co-worker or guest. I’m used to loud office chatter about what happened over the weekend, how the kids are doing, and who is running late.
I’m used to that.
These things trained my brain. My brain knew that when Justin was talking about his Starbucks run I should have all of my tasks for the day lined up by the time he is done.
The annoyances are different at home. Sure, there’s your significant other who doesn’t understand that you’re working or fighting your cat to get them off your laptop, but most of the day it is silent.
Silence is great. It was the thing I would look forward to when I got off work. Now it is here all day every day. I thought well… I like YouTube, let’s play some YouTube videos to fill the silence.
Lo-fi, Talking Heads, Commentary, Tutorials, Vlogs
Who is going to be your co-worker for today?
That was my thought process as I clicked video after video and sometimes curated YouTube playlists thinking it would help with having to stop what I was doing to choose a new co-worker in the next 30 minutes or so.
Eventually, I became annoyed. I would stop the video seconds in and search for other stuff. Jump on other social media platforms to see what was going on. I needed some sort of interaction as I worked, but I never found it.
Here’s what I did find… the need to stop watching YouTube.
My YouTube Addiction Symptoms
Here’s how I knew I had a YouTube addiction.
- It started to hurt when listening to a YouTuber talk. They all sound like they are yelling despite them telling us how much they’ve invested into the quality of their videos.
- They’re all repeating themselves. Same points, but different voices.
- I was tired of constantly being in someone’s bedroom, kitchen, or family room.
- I noticed that I felt lonelier and not the best mentally.
The last point is when I decided to stop watching YouTube. I’m someone who never had a huge circle of friends. I have a few and then my family. I’m fine with being alone. I’m used to it. I’ve never felt lonely, so why did I feel that way?
I didn’t just stop watching YouTube. I purged. I opted for the “selective” media option. Only using the media that I truly enjoy or has a real purpose.
I’ll be honest. Social media is junk media.
How I Stopped My YouTube Addiction
- I accepted the silence. I don’t listen to anything. I never thought that working in silence would be a possibility for my active brain.
- I take breaks. I go outside.
- I make phone calls and send text messages to my family and friends.
No, I don’t miss YouTube. Yes, I still have my favorite YouTube personalities. I’m sure they are fine and one day I’ll watch a few videos, but I’m not eagerly waiting for their next video.
Filling The YouTube Void
You may be wondering what entertainment am I consuming since I’ve ended my YouTube Addiction.
- I watched real movies and shows. Entertainment with actual production value where my head doesn’t hurt to listen. I’m very selective with my choices though.
I’m currently enjoying the Korean drama, My Demon that’s on Netflix. I’m not binging it, just an episode at a time. - I focus on home projects. Cleaning, organizing, and coordinating family & friends’ events.
- I started a personal blog using Telegram. It has been a lot of fun! Every night I write a little something in there. I love it. It’s the perfect fit.
YouTube Addiction Help
If you are someone that is YouTube addicted and you want to get help. Check out this article from Very Well on YouTube Addiction. Please, seek out a professional. If you are someone that kicked your YouTube addiction I’m proud of you.
As usual, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and if you’re shy you can send a message directly to me via email or using the contact form found by clicking here.
