Trick or Truth: Yoga Philosophy for the Algorithm Age
Halloween may bring up images of ghosts and goblins, but for many of us, the real monsters live inside our phones. Social media is one of the most powerful—and at times frightening—forces shaping our lives today. It promises connection, but often delivers distraction, comparison, and manipulation.
Through the lens of yoga philosophy, we can bring awareness and balance to our digital lives, transforming social media from a trap into a tool.
The Scary Truth About Social Media
Social media platforms are part of what’s known as the attention economy. While they appear free to use, our attention is actually the product being sold. Algorithms are designed to hook us, pulling our focus away from presence—the very heart of yoga.
Attention span: A 2024 study found that short-form video consumption correlates with decreased focus and performance. Dharana, or concentration, is one of yoga’s eight limbs—yet these platforms train us in the opposite direction.
Algorithmic manipulation: Social feeds can subtly sway our political views and feed biases, pulling us down rabbit holes without our awareness.
Mental health impact: In a 2025 survey, 68% of youth reported that social media harms their focus and emotional well-being.
Yogic Tools for Digital Mindfulness
1. Viveka (Discernment)
Pause before scrolling: Why am I opening this app right now?
Pause before sharing: Is this true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
Treat your feed like your asana practice—with intention and awareness.
2. Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal)
Create boundaries like screen-free mornings or scheduled “scroll-free” days.
Curate your feed to include accounts that uplift rather than agitate.
Use digital wellbeing tools to set limits and reminders.
3. Ahimsa (Non-Harming)
Avoid doomscrolling or posting with the intent to provoke.
Notice how your body feels after scrolling—tight, anxious, relaxed? Let this awareness guide your choices.
Remember: ahimsa applies to how we treat ourselves, too.
4. Santosha (Contentment)
Practice gratitude for moments off-screen.
Be present to what’s around you—your relationships, your home, your breath.
Recognize that fulfillment doesn’t live inside your phone.
5. Tapas (Discipline)
Strengthen your focus like a muscle by setting healthy digital limits.
Consume intentionally: one trusted news source, one cause you support, a handful of lighthearted posts.
Respond with thoughtfulness rather than reactivity.
For Yoga Teachers
Yoga professionals often feel pressure to be active on social media. Instead of chasing perfection or over-commercializing your feed:
Lead by example with truth and authenticity.
Share struggles as well as successes.
Align your content with your dharma (purpose) and satya (truth).
Consider posting with a mantra such as: May this be of service. May this reach whoever needs it.
Reflection Prompt
Take a few minutes to journal on this:
What does my current relationship with social media look like, and how might I bring more yoga into it?
The Bhagavad Gita reminds us that “yoga is skill in action.” Bringing yoga into our digital lives isn’t about rejecting social media altogether—it’s about approaching it with mindfulness, boundaries, and truth.
Explore more teachings through Deepen Your Yoga Practice and deepen your studies with the True Love Yoga Teacher Training.
