I can't stop using websites I don't like

[DiffydaDude]

i had another issue related to me not being able to keep myself from torturing myself with websites i dont like; so i ended up spending a good chunk of my school day scrolling through bluesky just to read all the egregious stuff i could find there, which probably goes against everything the site stands for, but for whatever reason, going through someones disturbing or angry blog posts is something i cant stop myself from doing. i think it might be because it satisfies my anxieties about various things while making it worse at the same time. i already've read what y'all posted in the last thread, but with this other stuff i put here in mind, is there anything else y'all'd suggest?
thanks

[foxkehfan2328]

Try to take a break from reading them, I guess, so that can maybe reduce your anxiety...

( ´・ω・)
(ヽ ∩ ∩)

[ThunderPerfectWitchcraft]

Sounds for me like you are developing or already have a behavioral addiction.

You can try to get out yourself - stop using the internet and digital devices (beside when you need them for schoolwork) for a few weeks (=> 4 or more). Afterwards, be cautious not to fall into your pattern of usage again.

If you got any offers of help to deal with it already, it would be wise to accept them.

Talk with people you feel you can trust in within your offline-sphere about it.

If you can't stop using the internet by yourself for a limited time, or if you fall back into your use-pattern afterwards, try to get professional help.

https://internetaddictsanonymous.org/do-i-have-an-addiction/
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/treating-internet-addiction/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/behavioral-addictions/internet-addiction/

[DiffydaDude]

@foxkehfan2328 Yeah, i guess thats probably the most obvious solution.

I dont feel like this is just a general internet addiction or something, its not like im destroying my life anymore. I used to be pretty addicted to discord but im not anymore. I just need to know what i should do about my problem, and i dont feel like shoving my problems to strangers who dont know me or get my problems would help. melonlanders know me pretty dang well and are some of the bestest friends i know just for the fact they dont just shoo me off and actually still love and accept me even with all my bullcrap, and thats why i feel more comfortable talking about my issues with them.

[bingus_baby]

On X, my algorithm is almost exclusively Japanese cats and anime girl artists. It may be a hellsite, but all my favorite artists are on there so I have to be on there at least a bit. One day I accidentally clicked like on a few too many cats, likely retweeted by the aforementioned artists, and my algorithm changed for the better. The more you like of a thing, the more you get. Obviously!

Click the link below, like a few pics... and maybe your life will change? Idk, I just love cats and the internet was made for them. There is no good use for the internet besides anime girls and cats, and I stand by that.

I'm not sure if JP cat accounts are flocking to Bluesy, but if I can spread the fluffy virus even just a little, that will be enough. It drowns out the annoying on sites like that.

He's just so fluffy! Love him.

[TheFrugalGamer]

Firstly, I'd say go ahead and unfollow anyone problematic who causes you anxiety if you haven't already done so. You won't miss them, and you'll be better for it.

Secondly, I'm not sure what kind of phone you have, but there are apps that will lock down your usage and give you all sorts of disincentives to keep using destructive apps. They're usually called Screen Time Apps. Here's an overview:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-apps-for-limiting-your-screen-time/

Lastly, I don't know if this one will work for you, but it does for me, so I'll share it just in case. Sometimes I have a craving for drama. I don't know why, but maybe it's the same reason people watch stuff like reality TV or soap operas, only I prefer that mine involves real people, and usually involves being online. So I enjoy watching drama recaps on Youtube, where they go talk about low stakes silliness in an essay format for an hour or two. It gets that itch for me, but it's one step removed, so I find it less infuriating, and it kills the urge to participate for me. The Strange Aeons channel is a good example of this, as well as IzzzYzzz and SarahZ. Those are usually Tumblr related, but there are others who cover other subcultures.

Whatever you chose, I wish you luck! It's just so easy to fall into phone addiction these days, since everything's designed for it. I think we used to have a "healthy things to do on your phone" thread kicking around here that may also have suggestions if you want to go searching for it.