Understanding the Psychological Factors Driving Endless News Paging
In the digital age, a phenomenon known as doomscrolling has become increasingly prevalent. This compulsive consumption of negative news or social media content can have severe consequences on an individual's mental and physical well-being.
Doomscrolling often serves as an escape strategy for those prone to anxiety, depression, or similar conditions. However, it exacerbates negative feelings, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression [2][5]. The human brain is wired to pay more attention to negative news due to an evolutionary instinct to sense danger [FAQs]. This heightened focus on negative information can impair concentration, decision-making, and working memory [1][2].
Heavy social media use and doomscrolling are linked to structural changes in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for attention and decision-making [1]. Information overload decreases brain activation and disrupts neural connectivity, resulting in slower reactions, poorer memory, and difficulties in processing information [2].
The long-term effects of doomscrolling include cognitive impairments, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and physical consequences related to chronic stress such as skin damage [3]. Chronic stress from doomscrolling leads to persistently elevated cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which can weaken the skin, causing it to become thinner or less resilient [3]. The stress response also disrupts sleep patterns, further impairing mental and physical health [3][4].
Research suggests a link between doomscrolling and personality traits such as high neuroticism, low conscientiousness, and agreeableness [FAQs]. Young adults are more susceptible to doomscrolling due to their sensitivity to instant gratification from social media and the need for feel-good chemicals like dopamine [University Hospitals, 2024]. Individuals with a history of trauma may use doomscrolling as a coping mechanism due to their hypervigilance towards danger [Salamon, 2024].
However, there are ways to combat the harmful effects of doomscrolling. Limiting exposure to excessive negative information, practicing digital hygiene (taking breaks, avoiding multitasking), and engaging in focused activities can help protect brain function and mental well-being [1][2]. Being more mindful of phone usage and asking yourself why you want to check your phone can help reduce mindless scrolling [Cleveland Clinic, 2024]. Establishing a time limit and turning off notifications can help decrease distractions and regain focus [Salamon, 2024].
In essence, doomscrolling induces a chronic stress state that undermines memory, attention, mood, and physical health, emphasizing the importance of mindful digital consumption and stress management practices. Gratitude practices can help shift focus away from fear and worry and towards positive aspects [Salamon, 2024]. Seeking help from family, friends, or mental health professionals can be beneficial if doomscrolling leads to poor mental well-being [Salamon, 2024]. Exercise releases stress, activates dopamine, increases productivity, and energy, serving as an antidote to doomscrolling [Cleveland Clinic, 2024]. Managing your social media feed by following positive news and unfollowing negative sources can help break the cycle of doomscrolling [Cleveland Clinic, 2024].
Periodically disengaging from social media can help relax the mind and reconnect with the current moment [Cleveland Clinic, 2024]. By adopting these strategies, individuals can mitigate the negative impacts of doomscrolling and maintain a healthy balance in their digital lives.
References:
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). How to Break the Cycle of Doomscrolling. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17781-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-doomscrolling
- Salamon, J. (2024). The Impact of Doomscrolling on Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-do-spot/202404/the-impact-doomscrolling-mental-health
- FAQs. (2024). What is Doomscrolling and How Does it Affect Mental Health? Retrieved from https://www.faqs.org/health/emotions-and-behavior/doomscrolling/what-is-doomscrolling-and-how-does-it-affect-mental-health
- University Hospitals. (2024). The Effects of Social Media on Young Adults' Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.universityhospitals.com/health-information/the-effects-of-social-media-on-young-adults-mental-health
- Olivine. (2023). The Impact of Doomscrolling on Physical Health. Retrieved from https://www.olivine.com/blog/impact-of-doomscrolling-on-physical-health
Mental health professionals often advise that individuals with a history of anxiety, depression, or similar conditions be cautious of their doomscrolling habits, as it can exacerbate negative feelings and lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Research has shown a link between doomscrolling and chronic stress, which can impair concentration, decision-making, and working memory, further impacting health-and-wellness and mental-health.
