chat

Yes this can definitely happen. You're pretty much observing the engagement algorithm shit working as intended.

Content on the major social media sites is (as a rule) optimised for emotional engagement, positive, negative, doesn't matter, but something base and intense and mammalian. Even more so for short form content like YT shorts, TT etc. Being exposed to an endless feed of emotionally provocative messaging is likely very fatiguing for the mind and not good for mental health.

To an extent its "the algorithms" and it is possible to clear your viewing history or create a new account if you want to repopulate your feed with less toxic additions. But recommendation algorithms can just as easily relearn that you are receptive to this sort of emotionally predatory stuff if you aren't selective about what you view and engage with routinely. If you can manage it, it's better to find alternatives to algorithm driven content entirely or at least try to stay away from short form content and engagement bait when you do use those sites.

I have a very lib coded but relevant video I watched the other day about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d43tivfx0qw (specifically about short form video content / emotion hijacking / burnout)

and this, about (allegedly) the role of "boredom" in a healthy mind, which mind likely isn't spending enough time doing while you consume content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uoJNv9ufjM

It is possible to avoid recommendation engines while still getting enough content slop to fill a day, but it's inconvenient and annoying and technical. Easier to learn better content habits and hygiene imo.