“Doom scrolling” refers to the habit of continuously and compulsively scrolling through negative news and social media feeds, often for extended periods. This behaviour typically involves consuming a constant stream of distressing or disheartening content, such as news about disasters, conflicts, crises, or other negative events.
The term gained prominence, especially during times of heightened global stress or uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. With the easy accessibility of smartphones and the 24/7 news cycle, people may find themselves caught in a cycle of doom scrolling, unable to tear themselves away from the flood of negative information.
Doom scrolling can have various negative effects on mental health, including increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of helplessness or despair. It can also disrupt sleep patterns and productivity as individuals become absorbed in consuming negative content to the detriment of their well-being.
To combat doom scrolling, experts recommend setting limits on social media and news consumption, taking regular breaks from screens, engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, and seeking out positive and uplifting content to balance out the negative information.
