Um. yeah. Unhealthy. When I have published a story, I keep checking to see who has read and responded. I randomly check notifications during my work day. It is soothing to see the green bell. Medium has hijacked my dopamine system.

When I took my break, I stopped checking notifications and the world did not end.

On the other hand, like when I was deep into competitive scrabble or genealogy, my unhealthy relationship with Medium doesn't bankrupt me like a gambling addiction nor does it destroy my health like alcohol. So it could be worse.

If I could set some boundaries, then I think I could be more sustainable with my writing practice on Medium. But I am terrible with boundaries. When I have access, then I feel the pull. That is why I deleted Instagram from my phone - I would spend an hour watching short reels of whatever the algorithm wanted to show me.

I suppose I could delete Medium from my phone and then only have it on my computer. Or maybe I just have sabbaths from it. Maybe not engaging during the week? Maybe take every January off?