Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling refers to the act of continuously scrolling through bad news, especially on social media and news websites, despite the negative emotional impact it may have. This phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of digital media and the 24/7 news cycle, which offers constant access to global events, many of which may be distressing or anxiety-inducing. The term combines "doom," indicating a sense of impending disaster, with "scrolling," describing the act of moving through digital content. Doomscrolling reflects a behavior pattern where individuals compulsively seek out negative news, often leading to increased stress, anxiety, and a pessimistic outlook on the world.

Overview

Doomscrolling is facilitated by the design of social media platforms and news websites, which use algorithms to curate content that maximizes user engagement. These algorithms often prioritize sensational and emotionally charged news, which can lead to an overrepresentation of negative stories in one's feed. The compulsive nature of doomscrolling is partly attributed to the human brain's negativity bias, which is the tendency to pay more attention to negative information than positive. This bias can make negative news seem more important or engaging, encouraging further consumption.

Impact

The impact of doomscrolling on mental health is significant. Continuous exposure to negative news can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, leading to a negative impact on overall well-being. It can also contribute to sleep disturbances, as the blue light from screens and the mental stimulation from engaging content can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

Mitigation Strategies

To combat the effects of doomscrolling, experts recommend several strategies:

• Setting limits on news consumption and social media use, especially before bedtime.
• Engaging in positive activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
• Curating a more balanced news feed that includes positive or uplifting stories.
• Practicing mindfulness and being aware of one's emotional state while consuming news, taking breaks when necessary.

See Also

• Social media addiction
• Information overload
• Negativity bias
• Digital detox