Imagine this: It's late at night, and you've decided to take a final dive into social media before you go to sleep. You come across one negative story online and a moment later you find yourself consuming troubling things — tragedies, natural disasters, war, etc. This is how doom-scrolling works.
What is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to continuously and obsessively scrolling through negative and distressing news or social media content, often on a smartphone or computer.
How to know, when YOU are Doomscrolling?
If you’ve spent several minutes or perhaps even hours engrossed in reading stories or posts online—and they tend to be distressing —you’ve likely spent your time Doomscrolling.
Who is most likely to Doomscroll?
Doomscrolling can affect people across various demographics, but certain factors may make individuals more prone to this behavior.
Anxiety and Stress
Depression
Heavy Usage of Social Media
FOMO
Why is Doomscrolling negatively Impacting our health?
Doomscrolling is a behavior characterized by the excessive consumption of negative information, which can trigger the activation of the stress response system. The continual exposure to distressing content is closely linked to increased levels of anxiety and stress, contributing to emotional dysregulation. This persistent exposure to negativity also results in the release of stress hormones, particularly cortisol.
The brain's reward system plays a crucial role in perpetuating the cycle of doomscrolling. The unpredictable nature of negative information triggers the release of dopamine, a pleasure-inducing neurotransmitter. This creates a feedback loop, compelling individuals to seek out more information, even when it is distressing. The addictive nature of this process can lead to compulsive doomscrolling behavior.
Contrary to the intention of staying informed, doomscrolling often proves counterproductive, fostering feelings of helplessness and fear. Instead of enhancing effectiveness, it tends to induce anxiety and paranoia about the world around us.
It's essential for individuals to be aware of these negative consequences and actively manage their media consumption to maintain a healthier emotional state.
How to Prevent Doomscrolling?
By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your online news consumption, promote mental well-being, and break free from the detrimental effects of doomscrolling:
Distinguish Between Reliable and Sensational News
Be Mindful and Interrupt the Pattern
Balance Negative News with Positivity
Set Time Limits for News Consumption
Choose a Reputable News Source
The key here is awareness. Are you truly seeking the information you need to keep yourself and your family safe? Or is your brain lying to you at 2 am to justify falling down a pit of despair?
Are you a good citizen by staying informed, or are you giving yourself an ulcer?
Be mindful, and practice ditching the doom!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am engaging in Doomscrolling?
If you find yourself spending extended periods reading distressing stories online, especially on social media, you may be engaging in Doomscrolling.
Why is Doomscrolling harmful to mental health?
Is Doomscrolling counterproductive to staying informed?
Can Doomscrolling impact sleep quality?
Yes, exposure to distressing content before bedtime can negatively impact sleep quality. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine without screens can promote better sleep and overall well-being.
If you’re struggling with the negative effects of doom scrolling or anxiety, don’t face it alone. At Koott, our skilled Malayali psychologists offer online counseling to help you manage stress and reclaim your peace of mind. Take the first step toward a healthier mindset today—reach out now!
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