Doomscrolling is a digital behavior that has emerged in recent years, characterized by excessive and compulsive consumption of negative or alarming news on social media and news websites.
This term, coined around 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, combines the words “doom” and “scrolling,” describing the act of incessantly scrolling through negative content online.
Characteristics of doomscrolling
Doomscrolling occurs when a person spends an inordinate amount of time reading negative news, often related to tragedy, crisis or disaster.
This behavior can become a kind of addiction, fueled by several factors:
- Negativity Bias: Humans naturally tend to pay more attention to negative information, an evolutionary legacy that helps us identify potential threats.
- Fear of missing out on something: Fear of missing out on important news may push you to constantly check information sources.
- Seeking control: In times of uncertainty, people may try to gain a sense of control through gathering information, even if it is negative.
- Social media algorithms: Social platforms tend to show content that generates engagement, often favoring sensationalist or negative news.
Impact on mental health
Doomscrolling can have significant effects on mental health and general well-being:
- Increased anxiety and depression: Continued exposure to negative news can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Sleep disturbance: Excessive use of digital devices, especially before bedtime, can interfere with the sleep cycle.
- Chronic stress: Doomscrolling can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a constant state of alertness.
- Decreased productivity: Excessive preoccupation with negative news can reduce concentration and efficiency in work or study.
- Social isolation: Time spent doomscrolling can take away energy and opportunities for positive social interactions.
Strategies to combat doomscrolling
To counteract this harmful habit, some strategies can be adopted:
- Limit online time: Establish specific times to check the news, avoiding doing so continuously throughout the day.
- Select sources: Choose reliable sources of information and limit exposure to sensationalist content.
- Practicing digital mindfulness: Being aware of your emotional state while surfing online and learning to recognize when it is time to log off.
- Cultivate offline hobbies: Dedicate time to non-digital activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, reading or contact with nature.
- Seek support: If doomscrolling becomes uncontrollable, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional.
In conclusion, doomscrolling is a modern phenomenon that reflects our complex relationship with information in the digital age.
While staying informed is important, it is crucial to strike a balance between being aware of world events and safeguarding one’s mental well-being.
Recognizing the signs of doomscrolling and adopting strategies to limit it can significantly contribute to improving the quality of life in the age of constant information.