Scrolling with Purpose: How Revisiting Old Digital Memories Can Soothe the Mind 

These days, it is easy to get caught in the mindless cycle of scrolling through social media. The longer you scroll, the harder it becomes to stop, especially when your feed is filled with bad news and overwhelming headlines. I’ve fallen into that trap too. I’ll open TikTok to kill “just a few minutes,” and suddenly, I’m an hour deep into videos about climate anxiety, economic collapse, and every looming catastrophe threatening our generation. 

It leaves me feeling anxious and hopeless, like the world is doomed and there’s nothing I can do. This exhausting cycle is what researchers call doomscrolling, and it can drain your mood and sense of control. But not all scrolling is a trap. 

Like many young people, I grew up with a phone practically glued to my hand. My device isn’t just a screen, it’s a journal, a memory bank, a lifeline to moments and people I don’t want to lose. Sometimes, I find myself scrolling through old text threads, photo albums or social media posts, not mindlessly, but meaningfully. 

And here’s the twist: What if scrolling through our own digital memories could actually support our mental health? 

The Mental Health Power of Looking Back 

This practice is known as positive digital reminiscence, intentionally revisiting happy or meaningful digital memories (like an old Instagram post or a screenshot of a kind message) to help regulate emotions and boost mood. It’s more than nostalgia or distraction. It’s a way of connecting to your past strengths and emotional resilience. 

Think about the last time you came across a photo that made you smile, a goofy selfie with a friend, a snapshot from a meaningful trip, or a kind message that made you feel seen. According to research, looking back on positive personal memories activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and positive affect. 

In one study, participants who recalled happy memories during stressful moments experienced reduced cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improved emotional wellbeing. So yes, those little digital moments of joy? They matter. They can function like emotional first aid. 

For young people navigating instability, change and social pressure, reflecting on moments of connection and growth can help us feel more grounded. 

What Young People Are Saying 

Ayanna, 23, finds comfort in childhood photos and nostalgic content. “I love looking at pictures from when I was a kid,” she says. “It helps me reflect on what’s changed and what’s gotten better.” She often returns to old toys, TV shows or songs—not just for the memories, but for the emotional grounding they bring. 

“In moments when life feels overwhelming, those old digital moments become a quiet kind of self-​​care.” 

Mya, also 23, turns to screenshots, letters and voice notes. “I have hundreds of screenshots, messages, notes, kind words people have sent me,” she says. “Sometimes I forget the good things people say and having them to look back on reminds me of the amazing community I’m part of, even when my anxiety tells me otherwise.” 

For Mya, this practice isn’t just comforting, it’s a form of emotional proof.  

“It reminds me I’m loved. That I matter. When my brain is being cruel, those messages push back.” 

She also revisits old photos when she’s missing someone or reflecting on her growth. 

 “Sometimes I search someone’s name in my photo app and scroll through all our memories. It reminds me of everything I’ve gotten to do. I just don’t want to forget that.” 

For both women, scrolling becomes more than just a digital habit. It becomes a personal practice in grounding, reflection and affirmation. 

Why We All Do This—Even Without Realizing 

After talking with Ayanna and Mya, I realized we all probably do this more than we think. I’ll catch myself scrolling through videos of my siblings laughing or looking back at photos from 2019, from a time when I looked genuinely happy. Sometimes, that quiet revisiting feels like healing, not to escape the present but to remind myself of who I’ve been, what I’ve overcome and where I’m going. 

How to Turn Scrolling into Self-Care 

If you’d like to try using your digital memories as a mental health tool, here are a few ideas grounded in psychological research and lived experience: 

1. Create a “feel-good” archive. 
Start saving messages, photos, voice notes or posts that bring you joy or make you feel proud. Consider creating albums, folders or pinned notes. These act as emotional anchors during tough moments. 

2. Be intentional. 
Instead of scrolling aimlessly, set aside time to revisit your memories on purpose. Reflect on a meaningful trip, a personal win, or a supportive message. Doing so can boost mood and foster emotional resilience. 

3. Pair scrolling with journalling. 
Writing about a photo or memory can deepen the emotional benefits. Consider asking: Why does this moment stand out? What does it remind me of about myself? 

Final Thoughts: Scrolling Can Heal 

Scrolling doesn’t have to be a passive or draining experience. With a bit of intention, it can become a tool to celebrate your growth, soothe anxiety, and reconnect with your joy. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your phone, ask: What do I want to feel right now? And maybe, just maybe, let that memory remind you of how far you’ve come. 

Photo courtesy: Pexels (Photo by Keira Burto)