If you’re someone who reaches for your smartphone to check social media before you even get out of bed in the morning, you might not realize the specific behaviors this habit could be connected with.

Scrolling through Facebook or Instagram before your feet even hit the floor can be more telling than you think.

So, what does it say about you? Are there certain patterns or traits that are common among early morning social media checkers?

Being aware of these behaviors can provide insightful understanding into our own habits and personality.

Lets dive in!

1) Procrastination tendency

You might not consider a quick scroll through Twitter or Instagram as procrastination, particularly if it’s the first thing you do in the morning.

However, according to psychologists, this habit could actually be indicative of a tendency to delay or avoid tasks.

Checking social media before you’ve even left the warmth of your bed can be seen as putting off starting the day and its associated responsibilities.

It’s a way of stalling, of spending a few more minutes in the comfort zone before facing reality.

This isn’t to say that everyone who checks social media first thing in the morning is a chronic procrastinator.

But it could be a small sign of a larger pattern. It’s worth taking note if this behavior is accompanied by other forms of procrastination throughout your day.

2) High levels of empathy

One might assume that early morning social media scrolling is a sign of self-absorption.

However, psychologists have found that it can actually be a sign of high levels of empathy.

People who check social media first thing in the morning often do so because they care about what’s happening in the lives of their friends, family, and the world at large.

They want to stay connected and informed, and they’re concerned about the well-being of others.

This doesn’t mean they’re always perfectly understanding or considerate. Like everyone, they have their off days.

But generally, their social media habits reflect a desire to connect with others and a capacity for empathy that might be greater than average.

Of course, there’s a line between empathy and over-involvement in others’ lives.

But overall, early morning checking of social media can be seen as an indicator of a caring personality.

3) Greater susceptibility to anxiety

Starting the day with a flood of information, news updates, and social happenings can set the tone for the rest of the day, and not always in a positive way.

When you take in so much information at once, especially right after waking up, it can lead to feelings of overwhelm.

This can trigger the body’s stress response, releasing cortisol – the body’s main stress hormone.

Over time, this can increase your susceptibility to anxiety and even contribute to anxiety disorders.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s reaction to social media is different, and not everyone who checks their feeds in the morning will develop anxiety.

However, being aware of this potential risk can help inform healthier digital habits.

4) Need for validation

We all crave recognition and validation to some extent – it’s part of being human.

For those who check social media first thing in the morning, this need might be slightly more pronounced.

Seeing that someone has liked your post or commented on your picture can give you a little boost, an acknowledgment that you matter.

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to feel seen and appreciated.

However, it’s essential to remember that social media is just one facet of our lives.

While it can provide moments of validation, it shouldn’t be the only source. Real-life interactions and achievements are equally, if not more, important.

5) Fear of missing out

Let’s face it, no one wants to be the last to know.

In this age of instant updates and real-time sharing, catching up on social media first thing in the morning might stem from a fear of missing out, or FOMO, as it’s commonly known.

Whether it’s a trending news story, a viral meme, or a friend’s big announcement, staying in the loop is important for many of us.

It helps us feel connected and part of the larger conversation.

While this eagerness to stay updated can sometimes lead us to spend more time on social media than intended, it’s a habit shared by many.

So, if you find yourself scrolling through feeds before dawn, know that you’re not alone.

Just remember to balance online engagements with offline experiences too.

6) Desire for structure

For some people, checking social media first thing in the morning is less about the content and more about the routine.

It’s a familiar act that helps them wake up and prepare for the day ahead, kind of like having a cup of coffee or going for a morning jog.

Take, for instance, a friend of mine. She once shared that her morning social media scroll is part of her waking up process.

It’s not necessarily about what she sees on her feed but more about having that consistent routine to kick-start her day.

Structure and routine can be comforting, providing a sense of control in a world that often feels chaotic.

If this resonates with you, know that it’s perfectly okay. We all have our unique ways to navigate through our days.

7) Potential for dependency

While it’s easy to brush off the habit of checking social media first thing in the morning as harmless, it’s worth considering the potential for dependency.

Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, and it can be all too easy to fall into a cycle of constant checking and scrolling.

If your first thought in the morning is to reach for your phone and check updates, it might be time to evaluate this habit.

Is it serving you? Or is it taking away from your ability to fully engage with the world around you?

It’s not about demonizing social media or completely cutting it out of your life. It’s about creating a balanced relationship with it. 

Balance is key

At the end of the day, it’s not about labeling checking social media in the morning as good or bad.

It’s about understanding how this habit fits into your life and affects your well-being.

If your morning scroll brings you joy, keeps you connected, and doesn’t interfere with your daily activities, then by all means, enjoy it.

But if you find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or like you’re wasting precious morning hours, it may be worth reconsidering this routine.

If you would like to change this habit, some people believe it’s easier when you substitute it with another one. Here are three options we find to be more productive:

1. Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes for deep breathing, meditation, or simply sitting quietly. This helps you center yourself, reduce stress, and create a calm start to the day.
2. Move your body: Whether it’s a quick stretch, yoga session, or a brisk walk, morning movement can energize your body and clear your mind, setting you up for a productive day.
3. Set intentions for the day: Spend a few moments reflecting on your goals or writing in a journal. This can help you focus on what’s important and give your day a sense of purpose.

By replacing social media scrolling with these healthier habits, you can create a morning routine that truly supports your well-being and helps you start the day feeling refreshed and empowered.

Like anything in life, balance is key. Strive for a healthy relationship with social media that serves you and adds value to your life.