Following an annoying influencer feels satisfying. Watching a terrible TV show seems fun. Reading comments that make you angry is addictive. However, this is called Hate-Watching.
This is called Hate-Watching. It feels satisfying in the moment, but it is actually poisoning your mood.
Your brain is drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Here is why you need to unfollow and protect your peace.
Anger is addictive. Social media algorithms know this, and they feed you things that upset you on purpose.
The Trap of “Outrage Dopamine”
Why do we watch things that make us mad?
Basically, anger releases dopamine just like happiness does. When you feel self-righteous indignation (“I can’t believe she said that!”), your brain gets a chemical hit.
However, this comes with a spike in cortisol (stress). You are getting a temporary high in exchange for long-term anxiety.
3 Reasons to Hit Unfollow
Curating your feed is the most important mental health habit you can have.
1. You Are Training the Algorithm
Algorithms do not care if you like a video or hate it. They only care about Watch Time.
If you watch a video to get mad, the algorithm thinks, “Oh, they love this!” Consequently, it shows you 10 more videos just like it.
You are literally asking the robot to annoy you.
2. It Ruins Your “Real” Mood
The anger doesn’t stay in the phone.
If you spend 20 minutes hate-watching in the morning, you carry that irritation into your day. You become snappier with your partner or less patient with your work.
Therefore, a digital habit becomes a real-life problem.
3. Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
Often, we hate-watch people because we are secretly jealous.
We criticize their house or their clothes to make ourselves feel better. But, this is a trap. It keeps you focused on their life instead of building your life.
Common Questions About Digital hygiene
How do I stop seeing annoying posts?
Do not just scroll past. Click “Not Interested” or “Hide.” You have to actively train the algorithm to stop showing it.
Is it okay to watch for critique?
Rarely. Unless it is your job to critique media, you are just wasting emotional energy on something you can’t change.
What should I watch instead?
Follow accounts that make you laugh, teach you something, or relax you. Your feed should be a sanctuary, not a battlefield.
Conclusion
Life is too short to be annoyed on purpose.
So, hit the unfollow button. Mute the story. Fill your feed with cats, art, or comedy. Your brain will thank you.
Tell me in the comments: Is there a specific topic that you always hate-watch? Mine used to be luxury house tours.
