“Doomscrolling” refers to the act of endlessly scrolling through bad news on social media or news websites, even though that news is saddening, disheartening, or depressing. It often happens without the person’s conscious intention to seek out such negative news. This behaviour is particularly prevalent during times of global crisis or major events, where there is a constant influx of news updates that can be overwhelming or anxiety-inducing.
The term combines “doom” (referring to a state of events that seems inevitably bad or dangerous) and “scrolling” (the action of moving up or down on a digital screen). It highlights a common digital behaviour where individuals get caught up in an endless stream of negative news, leading to increased anxiety, stress, or feelings of helplessness. This phenomenon has been especially notable during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, political turmoil, or natural disasters, where news coverage is extensive and often distressing.
To avoid doomscrolling while still participating on social media, you can adopt several strategies:
- Set Time Limits:
Allocate specific times for social media use. Limiting your exposure can reduce the likelihood of falling into a doomscrolling spiral. - Curate Your Feed:
Follow accounts that offer positive, uplifting, or educational content. Unfollow or mute accounts that frequently post distressing news or negative content. - Use Notification Settings:
Customize your notifications to receive updates only from certain accounts or for specific types of content, reducing the influx of potentially negative news. - Engage in Positive Interactions:
Focus on engaging positively with others, like commenting on friends’ achievements or sharing constructive content. - Mindful Scrolling:
Practice being aware of your emotions while scrolling. If you notice that certain content consistently makes you feel anxious or down, it’s a cue to either step away or change what you’re viewing. - Diversify Your Online Activities:
Don’t let social media be your only online activity. Engage in other online hobbies that bring you joy or relaxation. - Use Aggregator Apps:
Consider using news aggregator apps where you can control the type of news you see, focusing on topics that interest you without the overwhelming flood of negative headlines. - Social Media Breaks:
Occasionally, take complete breaks from social media to disconnect and recharge. - Seek Alternative Information Sources:
Get your news from sources which can offer more in-depth and less sensationalized content.
Remember, the key is to create a healthy balance and be conscious of how social media is affecting your mental and emotional well-being.