Doom Scrolling is the habit of consuming a continuous stream of negative news, often finding oneself engrossed in it despite it offering no real benefits. It typically starts innocently, with just checking social media for the latest sports scores or browsing for the newest sportsbook promos. But before the user knows it, time has passed as individuals find themselves glued to “Breaking News” stories, all initiated by a single click. It’s as simple as that: one intriguing headline can spark a loop that can be hard to break. So, what exactly is doom scrolling, and why do we engage in it?
What is Doom scrolling?
Doom scrolling is the deliberate seeking of negative news, mainly online. Often gatewayed by one negative post, which lures readers into a series of continuous media posts. It also explains how people often waste excessive amounts of time on their smartphones without any specific purpose. Modern social media platforms have had a detrimental impact on the online world, encouraging a habit known as doom scrolling. Algorithms on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok drive this. These media platforms gather data from users, which then shapes the future content displayed on their feeds, potentially leading to doom scrolling. When individuals interact with videos containing negativity, they are more likely to receive further recommendations for negative-style content, which can contribute to more doom scrolling.
Why Do We Do It?
A drive for the release of dopamine is a large factor in the negative effects of doom scrolling. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in the brain that transmits reward signals from the brain throughout the body. The process of doom scrolling can trigger the release of dopamine, which encourages the cycle of seeking out more negative content, ultimately placing consumers in a cycle of doom scrolling.
Throughout history, generations have tended to focus more on negative news than on positive events worldwide. This inclination can be traced back to our ancestors, who honed their survival instinct by paying close attention to potential threats. This trait has been passed down through the ages, influencing our brain’s wiring and making us more responsive to alarming information. As a result, we often find ourselves more attuned to negative headlines compared to uplifting ones.
The fear of missing out (FOMO) has contributed to the phenomenon of doom scrolling, as we don’t want to miss any information on social media. FOMO can be a leading force for avid news consumers to keep engaging with news. When the fear of missing out is present, individuals often turn to social media platforms to stay informed about global news, even if it’s negative, which can trigger the doom scrolling process.
Bad habits have contributed to the phenomenon of doom scrolling. These habits have been reinforced since the COVID-19 pandemic. With large amounts of spare time, individuals often find themselves constantly scrolling, encountering negative news, and getting caught in a loop of it. With the evolution of smartphones and technology, news sources are more accessible than ever, creating a wider opportunity for individuals to develop the habit of doom scrolling.
The Impact of Doom Scrolling
Excessive exposure to negative content online can be detrimental to an individual’s mental health. Studies indicate that the more time people spend consuming negative news or media, the more distressed they may feel. Doom Scrolling, or continuously scrolling through negative content, can lead to individuals feeling anxious or angry due to the persistent negativity in the media.
The cycle of doom scrolling reinforces the negative perceptions of the world, which is harmful for our mental well-being. Constant exposure to disturbing news can increase stress hormones due to the state of heightened awareness and alertness that negative news sources can induce in individuals.
In addition to its adverse effects on mental health, doom scrolling can disrupt sleep quality, further worsening moods. When individuals find themselves in a loop of negative media, they may continue scrolling long past their bedtime, resulting in insufficient and poor-quality sleep.
Can We Escape Doom Scrolling?
Breaking the habit of doom scrolling requires individuals to be motivated to make a change in their lives. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the media sources on smartphones, but it’s possible to reverse bad habits with a bit of commitment and effort. Escaping the continuous addiction to negative news will take time. Unfollowing accounts that post negative posts can be the first step to escape the doom scrolling. Unfollowing the account will reduce the amount of negative news shown on media platforms and will also affect social media algorithms, which will stop suggesting negative news to feeds. Engaging in hobbies or activities during free time can significantly reduce doom scrolling, as it leaves individuals with less time to mindlessly browse social media platforms. Along with filling empty time with activities, timers can be set on social media platforms to limit the time spent on social media and prevent doom scrolling.
Final Thoughts
Many people don’t fully grasp the impact that doom scrolling can have on their lives. This habit can significantly affect mental health, as the constant exposure to negative media can be overwhelming. Gaining a better understanding of doom scrolling and finding ways to break the cycle can be incredibly beneficial in today’s world. With technology and smartphones constantly on the rise, the way news is presented is shifting, often leading to an increase in negative stories.