Doomscrolling

What Does Doomscrolling Mean?

Doomscrolling refers to the habit of continuously scrolling through bad news, even though that news may be upsetting, distressing, or depressing. Often occurring on social media platforms or news websites, this behavior can negatively impact a person's mood and mental health. Here’s why it happens and some points on its effects:

• Exposure to Negative News: Social media algorithms are designed to show content that keeps users engaged. Unfortunately, dramatic or alarming news tends to attract more attention, leading to prolonged exposure to negative stories.
• Impact on Mental Health: Regularly consuming distressing news can increase feelings of anxiety, stress, and sadness. It can disrupt sleep patterns and make people feel more pessimistic about the world around them.
• Compulsive Behavior: Even though individuals may not enjoy reading distressing news, the desire to stay informed can make them feel compelled to keep scrolling, creating a cycle that is hard to break.

Why Do People Engage in Doomscrolling?

Understanding why people engage in doomscrolling is crucial for addressing this habit. Here are some common reasons:

• Seeking Information: Many believe that staying updated will help them feel more prepared for future crises, driving them to keep checking for updates.
• Habit Formation: Regularly checking for news updates can become a habit, making it a default activity when bored or idle, regardless of the news' emotional impact.
• Emotional Response: Sometimes, people continue to scroll through negative news due to an emotional response that compels them to learn more, even if it's upsetting.

How Can You Avoid Doomscrolling?

Breaking the habit of doomscrolling can contribute to better mental well-being. Here are some strategies that might help:

• Set Time Limits: Decide how much time you will spend on news or social media ahead of time and stick to it.
• Curate Your Feed: Actively manage your social media feeds to include more positive or neutral content, reducing the prevalence of negative stories.
• Engage in Positive Activities: Distract yourself with activities that uplift your mood, such as reading a book, exercising, or talking to a friend.
• Notification Settings: Adjust your device’s notification settings to limit alerts about new content or news updates, minimizing the temptation to check your phone.

By understanding and addressing doomscrolling, individuals can take active steps to protect their mental health while staying appropriately informed about the world.