Psychology of Doomscrolling
We live in a time where bad news is only a thumb scroll away. Whether it’s war, political unrest, climate disasters, or celebrity scandals, there’s an unending flow of negativity online. This constant scrolling through distressing news, often late at night, is known as doomscrolling a term that has gone viral for all the wrong reasons.
But doomscrolling isn’t just a habit it’s a psychological loop. This article explores what makes doomscrolling so compelling, its effects on the brain, and how to break free from its grip.
Doomscrolling refers to the compulsive consumption of negative or distressing news, especially on social media or news apps. It’s the endless scrolling despite the worsening emotions that come with every headline.
It often happens late at night, during breaks, or anytime we seek distraction, but instead of feeling relaxed, we come away drained, anxious, and overwhelmed.
The word “doomscrolling” gained popularity in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were constantly refreshing their newsfeeds for updates. Though the behavior existed long before, the term captured the cultural shift in media consumption from passive browsing to active seeking of bad news.
Psychologists describe doomscrolling as a form of negativity bias our brain’s natural tendency to focus on negative stimuli more than positive ones. When we see bad news, we pay more attention because it’s perceived as a threat, triggering our fight-or-flight response.
digital detox In evolutionary terms, paying attention to danger kept us alive. In digital terms, it keeps us anxious and glued to our screens.
Doomscrolling activates dopamine loops the same neurological reward systems used in addiction. The unpredictable nature of news (“Will it be worse than the last creates a cycle similar to slot machine gambling.
You’re always scrolling for more:
And you don’t know where to stop.
Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement, not your well-being. Their algorithms:
So, if you’ve recently clicked on doom-heavy content, you’ll likely get more of it.
Prolonged exposure to negative news can lead to:
Studies have shown that those who consume news excessively during global crises report higher levels of psychological distress.
Every time you encounter a disturbing story:
Over time, this dysregulation impacts memory, sleep, and emotional control.
The pandemic created a perfect storm:
Millions turned to their phones not just for news but for connection and meaning, even as it worsened their mental state.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone.
While anyone can fall into this pattern, it’s more common among:
Anxious individuals are more likely to seek control through information. Unfortunately, the type of information consumed during doomscrolling doesn’t soothe it inflames.
They believe if they stay informed, they’ll be safer. But often, it leads to hypervigilance and emotional exhaustion.
Depression can feed doomscrolling and vice versa. When you’re already feeling low:
This creates a downward spiral.
People often fear missing critical updates:
This fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps us hooked to fear-driven content.
Late-night scrolling:
Poor sleep equals poor focus, which leads to more coping through scrolling.
Reading dozens of headlines doesn’t mean you’re better informed. You absorb:
This leads to confusion, helplessness, and decision fatigue.
With remote work and flexible hours, many workers:
This negatively affects productivity, creativity, and morale.
Doomscrolling tricks you into believing:
But this often leads to rumination and catastrophizing, not problem-solving.
Being informed is important. But:
If it’s aimless and anxiety-inducing, it’s no longer “staying informed” it’s doomscrolling.
News outlets often:
They rely on engagement metrics, not emotional well-being.
Smartphones encourage doomscrolling through:
These designs are made to grab and keep your attention.
Anna, a schoolteacher, replaced her late-night scrolling with 10-minute meditations.
Jake, a journalist, started setting timers to limit news intake.
Leena, a mom of two, deleted Twitter during the Ukraine crisis.
Each saw improvements in sleep, mood, and focus.
Psychologists say we have:
Doomscrolling bombards our attention, reducing our ability to process meaningfully.
Digital boundaries = self-care. Start with:
Mindfulness helps you:
Instead of absorbing crisis after crisis, you learn to sit with calm and clarity.
Replace the urge to scroll with:
Start conversations like:
You might be surprised how many people feel the same.
The growing awareness around doomscrolling may lead to:
Q: Is doomscrolling a mental disorder?
No, but it can contribute to mental health issues.
Q: Is it better to stop reading news completely?
No, the goal is mindful, limited, and purposeful consumption.
Q: How long does it take to break the habit?
Most people report improvements after 2–3 weeks of intentional boundaries.
Doomscrolling is a modern response to an ancient human instinct: stay alert to danger. But in a world of constant content, the cost is high mentally, emotionally, and physically.
By understanding the psychology behind it and taking intentional steps, you can reclaim your time, peace, and focus. It’s not about ignoring the world it’s about protecting your well-being while engaging with it.
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