Social Media Can Make You Nuts

Do you ever catch yourself scrolling endlessly, wondering how you ended up so far down the social media rabbit hole? It happens to me more often than I’d like to admit. In this episode, I talk about how those stray comments or forgotten posts can trigger a spiral of overthinking that’s hard to escape.

There’s something about the online world that hooks our curiosity. I share a personal experience of when I realised how quickly my mind was drifting. If we don’t put the brakes on, it can create a chain reaction of self-criticism, confusion, and stress. Let’s break down some insights and tips from the episode.

Why It’s So Easy to Get Lost Online

The internet is designed to keep us engaged. For those of us with dyslexia, it’s like our brains are already wired to wander. Social media shows us comments, pictures, and videos that spark all sorts of thoughts—we can start with one idea and end up miles away.

Whether it’s a negative comment or a random post that reminds us of a past experience, online spaces can drag us in without warning. The brain sees one small clue and hits the accelerator.

The Overthinking Trap

When we overthink, we create stories in our heads that might not match reality. We might think a friend’s short reply means they’re upset with us. Or that nobody liked our post because it was a complete failure. It sounds silly when said out loud, yet it happens a lot.

Sometimes overthinking feels like you’re falling into a pit. You keep replaying the same scenario, searching for answers that usually aren’t there. It’s an easy pattern to slip into, especially for dyslexic minds that love visualising possible outcomes.

“It can be so so easy to get lost in overthinking silly situations but if you don’t put the brakes on, I think it gets worse.”

Recognising the Early Signs

One of the greatest skills is learning to notice when you’re drifting into that zone. Maybe your shoulder muscles tense up. Maybe you find yourself re-reading the same post or message. Recognise your warning signs and act sooner, rather than later.

Try stepping away from the screen for a moment. Give your mind a different task, even if it’s just making a cup of tea. The longer you wait, the deeper the rabbit hole becomes.

• Set a time limit for social media scrolling.
• Turn off notifications to reduce distractions.
• Talk to a friend in real life or on a quick call.
• Engage in a simple hobby to reset your mindset.

Building Confidence and Ease

Confidence is what we build by taking small steps consistently. If you’re an adult with dyslexia, it helps to know you’re not alone. We all slip up. Overthinking is a common brain quirk, especially in neurodiverse people, but you can reduce its impact by taking action early.

Sometimes, it’s about finding likeminded people who understand the struggle. Other times, it means signing up for a course or a webinar that helps you reframe how you think. The trick is not to let overthinking tarnish your sense of self-worth.

• Learn alongside others who have dyslexia.
• Seek supportive communities, online or in person.
• Try practical strategies to build your confidence one day at a time.

It’s never about perfection, just progress.

Key Takeaways

• Social media can quickly trigger overthinking spirals.
• Recognising early warning signs helps you stop before it gets worse.
• Small mindful actions and breaks can bring you back to the present.
• Confidence is built by repeated, simple steps in the right direction.

If this resonates with you, you’ll want to hear the full episode. The podcast player is right at the top of this page. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. Sometimes just knowing someone else has been through the same struggles is enough to lift that worry. It’s always good to have company on the journey.

Want more? Sign up for our next Webinar Video Series on Building Confidence as a Dyslexic. You can also join our private Facebook community, where everyone shares tips for thriving with dyslexia. If you’re interested in deeper support, check out our courses for adults with dyslexia. And if you prefer watching rather than listening, you can always subscribe to our YouTube channel. But for now, enjoy the podcast and remember—you’re not alone in this.