In the digital age, the way we consume news
and media has changed dramatically. Among the behavioral phenomena emerging
from this shift is doomscrolling — the habitual act of scrolling through
endless streams of negative news, often on social media or news platforms.
Coined during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, this term encapsulates
a growing pattern of digital engagement that prioritizes distressing
information, often at the expense of psychological well-being. As people seek
certainty in uncertain times, they may find themselves trapped in a feedback
loop of negativity, compulsively checking for updates that only deepen their
sense of unease. Given the rise in anxiety, depression, and stress-related
symptoms reported during the pandemic and beyond, the psychological impact of
doomscrolling warrants serious academic attention.
II. Psychological Mechanisms Behind Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling is not merely a digital bad
habit; it is underpinned by well-known psychological mechanisms. One of the
most prominent is negativity bias, a cognitive tendency where
individuals pay more attention to negative information than positive.
Evolutionarily, this bias was adaptive—it helped early humans avoid danger.
However, in the context of modern media, this bias makes individuals more susceptible
to consuming alarming or distressing content.
Furthermore, uncertainty intolerance
and the human desire for control exacerbate doomscrolling behaviors. In times
of crisis, such as a global pandemic or political unrest, individuals may
compulsively seek information in an attempt to regain a sense of agency. This
can paradoxically lead to increased anxiety, as the abundance of conflicting
and often catastrophic news fuels feelings of helplessness.
On a neurological level, doomscrolling is
reinforced by dopamine-driven feedback loops, similar to those found in
other forms of addictive behavior. Each swipe or click may produce a small
dopamine reward, keeping users engaged despite the negative emotional
consequences. Social media platforms, by design, exploit this mechanism to
maximize engagement, often promoting emotionally charged content to maintain
user attention.
III. Empirical Evidence on Mental Health Outcomes
Empirical studies increasingly highlight the
detrimental effects of doomscrolling on mental health. For instance, research
published during the COVID-19 pandemic found a strong correlation between high
exposure to pandemic-related news and elevated symptoms of anxiety and
depression [1]. A study by Bendau et al. (2020) revealed that individuals who
frequently sought COVID-related information online reported significantly
higher levels of fear and psychological distress.
Beyond pandemic contexts, doomscrolling has
been linked to sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, and chronic
stress. The continuous consumption of distressing news, particularly before
bedtime, disrupts circadian rhythms and impairs sleep quality. Additionally,
the phenomenon of emotional contagion — the tendency to absorb and
reflect the emotions of others — means that users who immerse themselves in
tragic or alarming news may experience secondary trauma or emotional
exhaustion.
Demographic factors also play a role. Young
adults, who are more active on social media, appear particularly vulnerable. A
study by Gao et al. (2020) found that individuals aged 18–29 reported higher
levels of anxiety and depression associated with frequent online news
consumption. Similarly, those with pre-existing mental health conditions may be
at increased risk, as doomscrolling can amplify symptoms and hinder recovery.
IV. Digital Platforms and Algorithmic Amplification
Social media platforms are not neutral
conduits of information—they actively shape user experience through algorithmic
curation. Algorithms prioritize content based on engagement metrics, which
often means that emotionally charged, negative, or sensationalist content is
more likely to be shown. This creates filter bubbles and information
silos that reinforce negativity and limit exposure to balanced or positive
narratives.
Moreover, information overload — the
overwhelming volume of content available online — makes it difficult for users
to disengage. With each scroll, there is a new headline, a new crisis, a new
threat. This constant barrage of information can lead to attentional fatigue,
reducing cognitive capacity and emotional resilience. The design of digital
platforms thus plays a central role in the perpetuation of doomscrolling
behaviors.
V. Coping Strategies and Digital Well-being
Addressing the harmful effects of
doomscrolling requires both individual and systemic strategies. On a personal
level, mindfulness practices—such as meditation, journaling, and focused
breathing—can help individuals become more aware of their digital habits and
emotional responses. Mindfulness encourages users to observe their impulses
without judgment, creating a space between the urge to scroll and the action
itself.
Another effective intervention is the
implementation of digital hygiene techniques. These include setting time
limits on news consumption, turning off non-essential notifications, using
grayscale screen settings to reduce visual stimulation, and employing app
blockers to limit access to news or social media during vulnerable times,
such as late at night. Studies show that even modest reductions in screen time
can lead to significant improvements in mood and sleep quality [2].
On a broader scale, there is a growing call
for algorithmic transparency and platform accountability. Tech
companies can take proactive steps by offering users tools to curate their news
feeds, introducing prompts to encourage breaks, and diversifying content to
include positive or solution-focused news. Some platforms have begun
experimenting with such features, including “take a break” reminders and
well-being nudges, though their effectiveness remains an area for further
study.
Finally, public education on the
psychological impacts of doomscrolling is essential. Mental health campaigns
can help normalize digital well-being practices, particularly among younger
users who may not be aware of the long-term effects of constant exposure to
distressing content.
VI. Conclusion
Doomscrolling is more than a fleeting digital
trend; it is a behavioral pattern rooted in cognitive biases, emotional
vulnerabilities, and platform design. As this habit becomes increasingly
common, especially during times of crisis, its impact on mental health cannot
be overlooked. From anxiety and depression to sleep disturbance and chronic
stress, the psychological costs of doomscrolling are real and well-documented.
However, solutions do exist. Through a
combination of mindfulness, digital hygiene, platform reform, and public
awareness, individuals and societies can begin to mitigate the harms of
doomscrolling. As we navigate a complex media environment, fostering digital
resilience will be crucial—not just to protect our mental health, but to
preserve our capacity for informed, balanced, and hopeful engagement with the
world.
📚 References
- Bendau, A., et al. (2020). COVID-19-related media consumption
and symptoms of anxiety, depression and COVID-19-related fear in the
general population in Germany. European Archives of Psychiatry and
Clinical Neuroscience, 271(2), 283–291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-020-01171-6
- Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations
between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and
adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive
Medicine Reports, 12, 271–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.003
- Gao, J., et al. (2020). Mental health problems and social media
exposure during COVID-19 outbreak. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0231924. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231924
- Meshi, D., Cotten, S. R., & Bender, A. R. (2020). Problematic
social media use and perceived social isolation in older adults: A
cross-sectional study. The Gerontologist, 60(2), 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz042
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