Watching Reels Destroyed My Brain — You Might Be Next!

The worst thing that can happen to you in today’s world isn’t failure.

It’s drowning in the short-form content hole.

Wallah, I used to feel ashamed of myself.

I’d catch myself scrolling endlessly, completely glued to my phone…

And the worst part? I didn’t even know why.

Over time, my creativity disappeared.

Mental fatigue took over.

But the most dangerous part: I became constantly distracted.

That meant zero focus and a shortened attention span.

I couldn’t even finish one simple task without my mind jumping to the next thing.

And I’m not just talking about work.

Even spiritual actions became affected.

The moment I’d finish salah, I’d rush through the adhkar without presence.

It became mechanical.

You’re praying, but your heart isn’t.

You’re reading Qur’an, but your soul isn’t.

You’re witnessing the signs of Allah, but you feel nothing.

A Wake-Up Call: The Founder of Telegram Doesn’t Use a Phone

Last week I came across something shocking.

The founder of Telegram revealed that he hasn’t used a phone or even owned a SIM card for over a year.

Let that sink in.

A guy who owns a social media platform… doesn’t even use it.

It made me reflect deeply.

We’re the ones trapped in the system, while the creators of these platforms are out there living their lives.

This is the trap of cheap dopamine — a system designed to keep you addicted.

To make you forget your problems.

To make you forget your purpose.

What Is Cheap Dopamine?

Cheap dopamine is any form of pleasure that comes too easily, without effort.

Drugs.

Pornography.

Short-form content.

It hits you quickly. Feels good for a moment.

But then it crashes below your normal levels — that’s why you often feel sad or drained for no reason.

I’m not here to attack short-form content. It’s a tool.

A double-edged sword.

Short-form videos have changed many lives for the better — including mine.

But you can’t build your foundation on them.

You can’t shape your personality or seek deep knowledge through 60-second clips.

That’s why I made a change.

How I Fixed It

“You can only replace a bad habit with a good one.”

I started leaving my phone behind when I go out — unless it’s urgently needed.

• I visit my family without it — because I’m there to spend real time with them.

• I go to the masjid without it — because I’m there to worship, not rush.

• I use social media only on my laptop — and only for work.

I reduced my phone use by 90%, simply by asking one question before opening any app:

“Why am I using this?”

And most of the time… I didn’t even know the answer.

So I’d close it. Simple.

But let me be real with you:

None of this works without dua and discipline.

You won’t make progress while being stuck in a black hole of endless scrolling.

And I know some of you reading this feel lost right now.

You want to create. You want to earn halal. You want to help the Ummah.

But you don’t know where to start — or how to stay consistent.

That’s exactly why I made this:

The HFD Creator Compass

A simple, step-by-step blueprint/roadmap designed for Muslims who are just starting… or stuck.

No fluff. No pressure. Just clarity and direction — so you can finally move forward with purpose.

If that’s what you need, you can get the access by click the button

The Results?

Alhamdulillah, my attention span and focus changed drastically.

From being distracted every 5 minutes to being calm and present.

And that led me to something deeper.

Becoming Wise

One of the greatest shifts was learning to enjoy being alone.

Spending time with myself.

Knowing myself — without any distractions.

I used to think I was being productive by listening to podcasts or lectures while walking…

But I realised that knowledge without action is pointless.

When you overload your brain with content, it doesn’t even know what to do with it.

Now I just walk in silence. Talk to myself. Reflect.

That’s when I started understanding myself.

That’s when I began seeing the world differently.

• You realise what you truly need

• You stop chasing what doesn’t matter

• You get closer to Allah

This Was the Way of the Prophets ﷺ

Spending time alone wasn’t new.

It was the way of the Prophets.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to spend days alone in the cave of Hira’ before revelation.

Away from noise.

Away from distraction.

Away from society.

He ﷺ knew that solitude polishes the soul.

And now, I’m starting to feel the same.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to delete everything.

But if you’re honest with yourself… you’ll realise that most of your problems come from this device.

Take a break.

Sit in silence.

Talk to your soul.

Make sincere dua.

And you’ll start remembering who you were before the dopamine.

May Allah grant us focus, presence, and a heart connected to Him.

Ameen.

In Allah’s care & Protection

Hamza HFD