Doomscrolling

Alternatively known as doomsurfing, doomscrolling describes a behavior where online users spend too much time consuming negative content. Whether a person (doomer) is watching videos or reading articles, doomscrolling's most common information sources are news stories and social media posts. Example subjects include disaster, financial crisis, loss of life, climate change, political/civil unrest, and other global issues.

What leads to doomscrolling?

Anyone who tries to keep up with current events can be susceptible to doomscrolling. As social media algorithms tend to suggest content similar to what's already been searched or viewed, they can facilitate doomscrolling once it has begun. Also, feedback loops and online social bubbles can contribute because social media users are likely to engage in self-affirming discussions or topics of interest. More plainly, if users start down a negativity rabbit hole, the algorithms can keep them there.

Consequences of doomscrolling

Doomscrolling can have any of the following negative effects.

• Mental health - Those with preexisting mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can see their symptoms worsen when they engage in doomscrolling.
• Physical health - Doomscrolling is associated with sleep disruption, panic overeating, fatigue, and a lowered ability to process trauma. It can also trigger your body's stress hormones.
• Negativity bias - In general, negative stories tend to affect people more dramatically than positive ones because unfavorable events have the potential to be physically harmful. Those who engage in doomscrolling are more vulnerable to negativity due to feedback loops and other similar phenomena.

How to avoid or reduce doomscrolling

Below are a few suggestions to help curb or stop doomscrolling.

• Limits - While this may be obvious to some, limiting your time on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook) and reading news stories is the best way to reduce or prevent doomscrolling.
• No devices in bed - Turning off your smartphone, tablet, or laptop before going to sleep is not only helpful in preventing doomscrolling, but may also help you sleep better due to reduced blue light exposure.
• Notifications - Adjusting the notifications you receive from various online sources and apps helps you avoid overconsuming negative news stories.
• Breaks - While browsing information online, be aware of the mood and tone of the content. Take a break if it's steering too much toward the negative side. Some people even find mindfulness meditation helpful.
• Unplug - Most of us spend much of our day staring at screens. Going outside for a walk can get you away from doomscrollable content. Furthermore, mild to moderate exercise helps improve your mood and reduce anxiety levels.

Addiction, Cross-posting, FOMO, Influencer, Internet terms, Social network