My Media Use 8/28
7 a.m. — Messages / Substack / Pinterest / Email
I usually start my day by checking messages, emails, and spending a few minutes on Substack and Pinterest. Since I’ve deleted most of my social media, I don’t doom-scroll through Instagram or TikTok anymore. Instead, I get a quick “internet espresso shot” from Substack essays and use Pinterest for creative inspiration or to help me prepare for my studio courses. This morning routine helps me wake up while still being productive.
8 a.m. — TV
I like to stretch before starting my day, and I usually have the TV on while I do it. My favorites are Studio Ghibli movies because they are calm and inspiring, and they help me ease into the day in a relaxed way. Having something peaceful in the background makes the routine feel grounding rather than rushed.
9 a.m. — Apple Music / Podcast
I move into getting ready for the day, and this is when I listen to music or a podcast. Most of the time I put on Apple Music and play Beyoncé, but sometimes I switch it up with a podcast like Anything Goes by Emma Chamberlain. I like having something upbeat or conversational playing, since it makes the process of showering and getting ready more enjoyable.
10 a.m.–12 p.m. — TV + Coursework
I usually focus on coursework. I only have one class most days, so this time is set aside for taking notes, reviewing material, or working on assignments early. While I study, I keep a show like Grey’s Anatomy running in the background. Having the show playing helps me focus, almost like background noise, and it keeps me in a steady rhythm while working.
1–6 p.m. — Canvas / Email / Messages / Apple Music
I’m in my studio session, which is always a long and intensive block of time. During this period, I avoid social media because I know it will distract me, so the media I use is more functional. I rely on Canvas for assignments, emails and messages for communication, and Apple Music to keep me energized and motivated while I work. This helps me stay productive and makes the hours go by faster.
7 p.m. — Substack / Pinterest
I’m ready to unwind, and I usually return to Substack and Pinterest. At this point in the day, Pinterest is more about personal goal-setting and inspiration rather than coursework. I enjoy reading a few essays on Substack as well because it allows me to relax while still engaging with thoughtful content. This evening routine feels like a reset after a long day of structured work.
9 p.m. — Messages / Book (The Alchemist)
I begin to wind down for the night by shutting off most technology and switching to reading. Right now, I’m working through The Alchemist, which I read before bed instead of looking at screens. I try to minimize phone or computer use at this time since it usually keeps me awake longer. Reading a book feels like a much more calming and intentional way to close the day.
Reflection on My Media Use
Tracking my weekday media use gave me a clearer sense of how intentional I’ve become with my habits. By deleting most of my social media, I’ve reduced the amount of passive scrolling that used to take up big chunks of my day. Instead, I’ve replaced it with platforms like Substack and Pinterest, which I use more actively for inspiration, essays, and planning. I also noticed that much of my media use is tied to routines: Apple Music and podcasts while I get ready, background TV while I do coursework, and reading before bed. Overall, my media choices serve specific purposes to stay informed, inspired, entertained, or relaxed instead of just filling time.
Credible Media Sources
The most credible media sources in my day are Substack and Canvas. Substack gives me access to essays and newsletters written by individual creators, and I find credibility by choosing writers whose perspectives are thoughtful, well-cited, and consistent over time. Canvas is credible because it directly connects me with my instructors and official course materials. Podcasts and shows, while entertaining and sometimes informative, are less credible because they aren’t always fact-checked in the same way. For music, I rely on Apple Music, which isn’t about credibility as much as quality and consistency. Finally, books like The Alchemist give me a break from digital media entirely, reminding me that not all valuable “media use” has to be online.