These 3 Creative Websites Will Refrain You From Doom Scrolling
Here are three websites that inspire creativity while helping users block out distractions and emotional noise
Words Yra Luis Gener Gutierrez
Photos Are.na, Cosmos.so & Museum of Modern Game
March 24, 2025
Online content has evolved into a fast-paced culture dominated by visuals, short texts, and video clips that convey vast amounts of information in seconds. This trend has become a central part of everyday life for most people.
The speed at which information flows online is astonishing. The internet relies on algorithms—an invisible infrastructure that guides users, often without them realizing it. Social media feeds continuously analyze our clicks and interests, using this data to predict what will engage us further, keeping us hooked and constantly interacting.
We’re trapped in a troubling reality where we’ve become passive consumers of information, losing touch with our own agency. The internet’s pervasive nature has created a culture of passivity.
We’re aware of this, even as online content fuels polarization and harm, manipulating our emotions and leaving us feeling anxious, fearful, and angry. In response, Art+ Magazine offers a list of creative websites that provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming, emotion-driven content on social media.
Are.na
If you're someone who enjoys diving deep into niche topics, Are.na is a platform that fosters a community with diverse interests. It positions itself as a space for connecting ideas and building knowledge.
"Are.na is a mindful space where you can work through any project over time. It’s a place to structure your ideas and build new forms of knowledge together," the platform explains on its website.
Beyond that, Are.na allows users to collect and recombine images, texts, links, and files, making it an ideal tool for creative research. As a social networking platform, it also enables private or collaborative discussions, letting users engage with others while working on their projects.
Cosmos.so
Cosmos.so is a platform that champions creative expression, functioning like an online mood board. It allows users to save “elements”—any type of content or media—as a source of inspiration. These elements are then organized into “clusters,” which connect to other ideas, fostering creativity.
“Forget the black holes that take us nowhere. In the Cosmos, they lead us precisely where we need to go,” the website states.
A key part of Cosmos.so's manifesto is creating a space for mindful curation that “replaces mindless consumption.” By removing likes and comments, the platform encourages users to focus on the freedom of creative expression, stepping away from the pressure of performative content.
The Museum of Modern GIFs
If you're a fan of dynamic visual design, The Museum of Modern GIFs is a must-visit online space. Created by Daniel Murray, this project is simple yet captivating—an online gallery showcasing GIFs from various internet eras. Currently, it features a collection of 99,969 GIFs.
Upon landing on the site, you'll be greeted with interactive portrait frames. As you scroll, you’ll discover doors leading to new rooms filled with more GIFs, each one offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of internet culture.
In an age where online content can often lead to frustration or overwhelm, navigating these creative spaces allows us to reclaim our agency. By engaging with platforms that inspire creativity and offer a break from the noise, we resist the passive consumption culture and take control of our digital experience.
