The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

Cartoon: Scrolling

Rachel Hong, Staff Writer • May 31, 2026
The rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok is leading to shorter attention spans among students, while also increasing procrastination and creating distractions that make it harder to stay focused. The endless flow of content can trigger dopamine-driven scrolling habits that keep students online longer than intended, often leading to unfinished schoolwork, increased stress, and worsening mental health. The fast-paced nature of these platforms causes the brain to expect rewards every few seconds, making it physically and mentally harder to transition to “high-effort” tasks, like reading a long textbook or solving a complex math problem, which do not provide that same instant dopamine hit. This issue is important because it shows how digital technology is “rewiring” the human brain. The phenomenon, often called “brain rot,” represents a serious decline in cognitive functions important to both academic success and long-term mental health. (Rachel Hong)

 

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About the Contributor
Rachel Hong
Rachel Hong, Staff Writer
Rachel Hong is a junior (class of 2027) at Carlmont High School, and it’s her second year of journalism for Scot Scoop. She also serves as an editor for the Highlander. Outside of journalism, she enjoys reading and drawing.