From Motivation to Isolation

You’ve seen it countless times before: on YouTube, Reels, TikTok, and more. Countless creators brag about their dopamine detox, where they cut themselves off from dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. We’re talking social media, music, and even delicious food: if it makes you feel good, these creators are steering clear. They’re calling it life-changing, inspiring, motivational, and focus-enhancing, but here’s why you need to steer clear of that fad.

One-Size-Fits-All?

Every video preaches the same gospel: avoid happiness at all costs during the detox, and you’ll come out the other end as a transformed being. The truth is, the idea of a detox being beneficial for all is a huge misconception, especially for students as we’re still developing both physically and mentally. While a complete cutoff from dopamine could be refreshing for one, it might be detrimental to the mental health of another. As a result, consider your needs, like relying on music for studying, before hopping on the bandwagon. Remember that creators are following a trend, meaning that their results may be exaggerated or just fake, too!

Social Isolation

Think about what activities truly make you happy. Well, for many, connecting with friends and loved ones is definitely one of them. Group chats and viewing each others’ TikToks and stories all keep us connected, whether in person or through social media. A detox would mean complete isolation from these. Cutting off activities that involve social interaction, which is a vital part of emotional development and well-being for teens, could lead to the gut-wrenching feeling of being left out. Sure, less distraction could lead to better focus on work and other aspects of life, but I, and surely many others, will find it hard to focus because of curiosity about the latest tea. 

Unnecessary Guilt

There’s a reason why dopamine is released: sometimes, it’s okay to have fun! Dopamine detoxes create this negative feeling towards the hormone, leading to unnecessary guilt about enjoying simple pleasures or engaging in what we love. However, it’s important to always remember that social media isn’t always correct. Dopamine, at least in regulation, is never going to be a focus-killing, dangerous chemical. It’s simply the body’s way of saying, “I like what’s going on!”.

Dopamine detoxes are a fad, just like raw-food diets and keto diets. Results will vary, but the internet always cherry-picks the most positive, life-changing results to serve to you on a silver platter. So while dopamine detoxes may appear amazing, they are not a panacea for everyone’s focus and mood. Embrace moderation, and remember, your mental health and happiness always comes before the latest trend or fad!