As the year winds down, my inbox overflows with "year in review" notifications. These neatly packaged summaries from YouTube, Spotify, and other apps, like snapshots in a digital album, reveal the contours of my media consumption habits in 2023.

This past year marked the first time I consciously monitored my digital diet. While I've never gravitated towards binge-watching serial killer shows or murder mystery podcasts, my approach to media, including the occasional psychological thriller or dystopian blockbuster, was largely recreational – absorbed without much thought to its deeper impact on my well-being.

Reflecting on my 2023 media journey, I noticed a trend: a shift towards content imbued with positive messaging and empowering themes. Calling this year 'expansive' barely scratches the surface. It's not to say that the media I consumed was the sole architect of this growth, but it certainly played a role.

As we head into the new year, here are 10 key questions that you can ask  yourself to become a more conscious consumer of digital media: 

1. Does This Align with My Values?

Ask yourself if the content aligns with your personal values and beliefs. Does it support or challenge your perspectives in a constructive way?

2. What Emotions Does This Evoke?

Reflect on the emotions you feel during and after consuming the content. Is it bringing joy, inspiration, or insight, or is it inducing negative emotions like anxiety or sadness?

3. Why Am I Choosing This?

Consider your reasons for selecting certain media. Are you seeking information, entertainment, relaxation, or escapism? Understanding your motivation can help you make more intentional choices.

4. Is This Enhancing My Knowledge or Perspective?

Think about whether the content is expanding your understanding or offering new perspectives. Is it intellectually stimulating or thought-provoking?

5. How Does This Affect My Mental State?

Pay attention to how your mental state changes with media consumption. Do you feel more relaxed, anxious, energized, or depleted afterwards?

6. Am I Engaging Actively or Passively?

Assess whether you are actively engaging with the content or passively consuming it. Active engagement involves critical thinking and reflection, while passive consumption often leads to mindless scrolling or binge-watching.

7. Is This a Habit or a Choice?

Determine if your media consumption is a conscious choice or just a habit. Are you watching or listening because you genuinely want to, or because it's just something to do?

8. What Balance Am I Striking Between Digital and Real Life?

Evaluate the balance between your digital consumption and real-life experiences. Are you spending enough time disconnected from digital media and engaged in real-world activities?

9. How Is This Influencing My Behavior and Relationships?

Reflect on the impact of media on your behavior and relationships. Does it affect how you interact with others or influence your daily actions?

10. What Can I Change to Improve My Experience?

Finally, think about changes you can make to improve your media consumption experience. Could you benefit from diversifying your media choices, setting time limits, or exploring new types of content?

As I sit in my office on this December Sunday evening, drafting this piece, "Marley and Me" plays in the adjoining room, enveloping my family in its narrative. Having previously seen the film, I know its emotional trajectory. Today, I consciously choose to detach, not because the film lacks merit, but because the sadness it evokes is not what I seek at this moment.

It's a poignant film, deserving of its accolades. Yet, today, I opt for emotional distance, understanding that my presence is more needed in creating a nurturing environment for my family, even as they navigate the film's heavier themes. A stealthy placement of a tissue box on the couch, a small act of empathy, suffices for now. 

As you step into 2024, consider what subtle shifts you could introduce to your digital habits to foster enhanced emotional wellbeing. What deliberate, value-aligned step will you take this year to engage with your media choices more consciously and critically?