Why does more information create more anxiety?
People can often control a behaviour more easily than they can control comparison. Every new image of success, intimacy or consumption gives the mind another reference point against which to measure itself.
The comparison system has scaled up
A person once compared themselves with a relatively small local circle. Digital media can now present thousands of carefully selected highlights in a single hour. The problem is not only distraction; it is the continuous activation of comparison.
Manage the environment, not only willpower
Willpower is a limited resource. Reducing unnecessary feeds, choosing what enters attention and creating a quieter space for growth can interrupt the cycle more effectively than repeatedly telling oneself not to feel anxious.