Everything is drugs

And the internet is an open air market

Just say no.
–Nancy Reagan

The old trombones used to say “Just say no to drugs.” Sorry grandpa, everything is “drugs.” Sugar, love, exercise, your job, your fame, your souvenir shot glasses, and even precious ideas on the internet, light as a feather. Everything you munch—physically or mentally—changes your body and mind. That’s what drugs do.

Because all drugs have side effects, you are advised to find the minimum effective dose. Even for ideas, light as a feather.

You already do this with medicine. You take two aspirin, not twenty. But boy howdy, you’re reckless with memes, images, and words. You doom-scroll for hours. You binge television. You gorge podcasts until your apartment is spotless.

You don’t give your brain a minute to rest, let alone process, the drugs.

Turn off the firehose once in a while. This is why you’re cranky. Look out your window. Nothing is on fire. It’s the drugs. They’re working.

There’s no FDA for the internet. No sticker telling you that consuming daily outrage will rewire your baseline. No warning that basking in aesthetic will leave you chronically dissatisfied. Nary a mention that rapidly combing your eyes over a glowing screen for over five hours a day might be less than nutritious.

Choose your substances wisely. Know your dealer. Do the right amount. Consumption is never neutral, especially when the drugs are free.