Digital media is part of my daily life in a way that feels almost automatic now. I use it for school, writing, research, entertainment, communication, and building my personal brand. Since my website is connected to my brand, OCDisorderly, I also think about digital media not only as a consumer, but as someone who wants to create meaningful content in the mental health and psychology writing space.
On a typical day, the sites and applications I visit most often include Google, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Canva, Amazon, my school portal, and my own website. Google is usually where I begin when I need quick information, sources for schoolwork, or ideas for writing topics. YouTube is one of the main platforms I use for learning, whether I am watching videos about writing, psychology, marketing, or creative projects. Instagram is important to me because it is a visual platform where I can share mental health-related content, writing prompts, and updates connected to my brand. I also use Canva often because it helps me create social media graphics, templates, and other visuals for my website or future digital products. My school portal is another major part of my digital routine because I use it to read assignments, submit work, and participate in discussions.
My reactions to digital media are mixed. I have positive reactions when I am using digital media to learn, create, or connect with information that genuinely helps me. For example, I enjoy finding helpful articles, watching educational videos, or creating content that might encourage someone to think more deeply about mental health. Digital media gives people like me a chance to share ideas without needing permission from a traditional publisher or company first. That is one of the things I appreciate most about it.
At the same time, I can have negative reactions to certain types of digital media, especially when it feels overstimulating, fake, repetitive, or emotionally draining. Social media can be useful, but it can also create comparison, distraction, and pressure to constantly produce content. I sometimes notice that platforms reward what is quick, dramatic, or visually perfect, even when the topic itself deserves more depth. Since I am interested in mental health advocacy, I want my content to feel honest and useful rather than performative.
One thing I notice about digital media in marketing today is that brands are no longer only selling products or services. They are selling identity, trust, relatability, and a feeling of connection. Many businesses use social media to show personality, tell stories, respond to customers, and create a recognizable voice. Marketing today also feels more visual and personal than traditional advertising. Instead of only seeing a polished commercial, consumers often see short videos, influencer posts, behind-the-scenes content, customer reviews, memes, tutorials, and personal stories.
This can be powerful when it is done honestly. A brand can use digital media to educate people, build community, and make information easier to understand. However, it can also become manipulative if the goal is only to get attention or make people feel insecure so they will buy something. For my own brand, I want to use digital media in a way that reflects my values. I want OCDisorderly to represent writing, psychology-informed reflection, mental health awareness (most definitely advocating for obsessive-compulsive disorder – OCD), creativity, and advocacy. My daily use of digital media reminds me that online spaces are not just places to scroll. They are also places where people form opinions, discover brands, learn new ideas, and decide who they trust.
“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going” — reframes mental wellness as an ongoing journey rather than a fixed endpoint.” – Noam Shpancer