If you told me a few years ago that Pinterest would become my favorite social media app, I would have laughed. Back then, my screen time was mostly Instagram, TikTok, and obsessively refreshing Snapchat stories (even though I’d already seen them all). Pinterest? That was for DIYers and scrapbookers. I didn’t find it that entertaining.
But after getting lost in a TikTok doom-scroll spiral and realizing I’d wasted an hour watching videos of cats knocking over water glasses every day during quarantine, I wanted to get my life together. I wanted to feel productive. Enter: Pinterest.
Now, I’m not saying that Pinterest translates directly to productivity. But, I’ve found it to be a more enjoyable social media that keeps me more focused on looking with intention. I still get caught up in the scroll on Pinterest. However, I find the pictures of Michelle Obama and quotes from Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, inspiring.
And, science is on my side.
Turning Scrolling Into Strategizing
At first, I just searched for random cute things—like bedroom ideas and study desk setups. But then, I discovered the real power of Pinterest: you can plan your visually. Instead of just liking pretty things, I started creating boards with purpose. My “Dream Life” board? Full of inspiring images for my future—think aesthetic dorm rooms, career goals, and motivational quotes. My “Study Inspo” board? Packed with tips for organization, notes that look like art, and the occasional bullet journal layout.
Suddenly, my endless scrolling turned into strategizing. I wasn’t just consuming content; I was curating it for me.
This makes sense: scrolling on apps like Instagram gives you quick dopamine hits without much payoff, leaving you feeling drained. Pinterest, on the other hand, can redirect that dopamine toward more inspiring and uplifting content. It may still be distracting at times, but I do think it can be helpful.
How Pinterest Changed My Perspective
- I Felt More in Control.
On other apps, I was bombarded by whatever the algorithm thought I should see—celebrity gossip, random viral trends, and ads for things I didn’t need. On Pinterest, I could shape what inspired me. I felt less FOMO and more excitement about my goals.
- It Gave Me Actionable Ideas
Pinterest is weirdly actionable. After pinning a few vision board layouts, I made one myself (yes, with actual glue and magazines). After saving a recipe for Chinese steamed eggs by Kylie Sakaida (that one dietitian), I tried it and now regularly make it for a nutritious, tasty breakfast. These weren’t just pretty pictures—they were sparks for real-life action.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people who vividly imagined their future achievements were more likely to take steps toward them. By curating Pinterest boards, you’re essentially building a vision board that reminds you of where you want to go.
- It’s Low-Key and No Pressure.
No likes, no followers, no stress. Pinterest isn’t about being seen—it’s about what you see. For the first time, an app wasn’t making me compare my life to someone else’s highlight reel.
Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where comparison and FOMO can lead to negative mental health effects, Pinterest provides a low-pressure environment. A study from the American Psychological Association revealed that excessive social media use correlates with increased anxiety and depression, particularly in teens. The culture of Pinterest that I’ve seen focuses wayyy less on follower counts and “likes” that can drive that stress, allowing you to focus on inspiration instead of competition.
How to Get Started on Your Pinterest Productivity Journey
1. Set Up Boards That Excite You. Think about areas of your life you want to improve or explore. Some ideas:
• “Dream Big” (future goals)
• “Glow-Up Inspo” (self-care, workouts, etc.)
• “Study Game Strong” (organization, study tips)
2. Search With Intention.
Type in specific terms that align with your goals, like “time management tips for students” or “cozy reading corners.” It’s weirdly satisfying.
3. Use Your Boards IRL
A Pinterest board is great, but taking action is better. Turn your saved “healthy snack ideas” into a mini cooking session. Try recreating that cute desk setup.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not here to tell you to give up social media entirely. Instagram reels and TikTok still have their moments. But shifting some of my screen time to Pinterest was like giving my brain a little refresh. Instead of scrolling and feeling overwhelmed, I now feel inspired—and sometimes, that’s all you need to take the next step toward your dream life. I also find myself scrolling less on Pinterest—maybe because I don’t feel as sucked down into the endless scroll.
So, next time you’re about to get lost on your socials, give Pinterest a go. You might just surprise yourself.
Xoxo,
Meredith
