When it comes to social media, even adults struggle with the endless scroll.

But these apps can particularly affect teens.

Recently, I met up with Larissa May, a self-described “survivor” of the digital age.

“I really started to struggle with body image, depression, and anxiety, and social media was my sword and my shield. I would numb my emotions and it ultimately brought me to the darkest place in my life,” explained May.

Now past that, May helps teens find a balance with technology through her non-profit called Half the Story.

World Teen Mental Wellness Day is on March 2, 2024.

She also offered the best tip I’ve ever heard when it comes to avoiding doomscrolling.

More on that in a bit.

“What’s really most horrible about these platforms is the addictive algorithms and the things that keep kids pulled in,” explained May.

But since they go largely unregulated, May believes in empowering teens, families and schools with the tools they need to take control.

“Teaching kids how what they do online impacts their emotions, and also how they feel impacts what they do on the internet,” said May.

Social Media U is a course she helped develop for schools. It teaches teens emotional skills and how to handle the impact tech has on our lives.

She believes that schools should work with students to come up with policies that better address the blurred lines devices like smartphones create.

And, when it comes to parents, she says modeling is the way to go.

“As parents, if we don’t start modeling healthier behavior, your kid is going to believe that your phone is more important than they are,” said May.

She’s also a fan of putting speedbumps between us and social media.

She recommends two apps to help.

One Sec makes you wait a bit while opening certain apps, especially Social Media.

Opal is a beefed-up version of ScreenTime to help you focus during scheduled parts of your day.

“I believe and I know that you can build a healthy and positive relationship with technology,” May concluded.

One thing she said that resonated with me? When I asked how she uses social media now versus before, she gave an answer we can all use: with intention.

Picking up your phone with a specific purpose – to buy something on Amazon, check traffic or post a picture – is way healthier than just picking it up to engage in mindless, passive and ultimately endless scrolling.