From Doom Scrolling to Creative Expression

In modern life, we are expected to absorb an extraordinary amount of information every second. We scroll through global conflicts, personal milestones, tragedies, and entertainment, often within the span of just a few minutes. Our brains process everything from the death of a loved one to international wars without a reaction or expression.

There is a problem with this.

We are absorbing more than we are expressing.

Medical and psychological research consistently shows that expressing emotions and processing experiences in healthy ways is essential for mental well-being. Suppressing feelings or endlessly internalizing stress can increase anxiety, reduce emotional resilience, and create a sense of mental overload.

Yet the digital social systems surrounding us are not designed to help us process what we feel. They are designed to keep us scrolling, to keep attention regardless of the toll it takes on emotional well-being.

Having worked for several companies in big tech, I can say with confidence that social media platforms are not primarily designed to be social. Their core systems are built around engagement loops and mechanisms that encourage users to return repeatedly and spend more time consuming content.

These systems are particularly concerning for young, developing minds who may not yet understand how algorithmic feeds are designed to influence attention and behavior.

At the same time, many of the environments around us reinforce this pattern.

Schools increasingly rely on screens.

Workplaces depend on digital communication.

Smaller communications with tellers, cashiers, baristas all are disappearing.

As a result, something subtle but important has been disappearing from daily life.

Opportunities for simple human connection.

Smiling at someone across the room.

Making eye contact with a stranger.

Talking with someone without a device in hand.

Feeling part of a community.

For many people, these moments have quietly become rare.

The problem space is clear, but how can move towards a more connected, present, expressive and community centric life?

At VJB, we’re focusing on creative freedom. To make something, to release emotions, to vent, to laugh, to cry, to be free, to be messy. 

No need to post.

No need to boast.

But you can host

a party to toast

to art!

Create without rules. Create freely.

Love,

Varsha