Table of contentsClick link to navigate to the desired location
This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Imagine an ordinary evening. You are lying in bed, holding your smartphone, and decide to see what's new in the world. One piece of news is worse than the other: war, disasters, economic crises, scandals. You promise yourself, "Last article – and that's it." But your fingers reach to scroll again. The clock shows late at night, and you are still here.
This phenomenon is called doomscrolling - the endless scrolling of negative content on the internet that causes anxiety and even addiction. But where did it come from, how does it affect us, and how can we fight it?
What is Doomscroll and where did this term come from?
The word doomscrolling (or doomsurfing) comes from two English terms:
- doom - "fate," but primarily in the sense of something terrible, inevitable,
- scrolling - "scrolling" (the habit of scrolling through information on a screen).
Literally, doomscroll means "scrolling to disaster."
This term began to be actively used in 2020 when the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People stayed at home, and smartphones and social media became the main window to the world. Users scrolled through the news for hours, trying to find answers to the questions: "What is happening?", "Is there hope?".
Why do we do this?
Psychologists explain doomscrolling with evolutionary mechanisms. The human brain is wired to pay attention to threats to avoid danger. In the past, this helped our ancestors survive in the wild.
But in the modern world, this mechanism works "overboard." We no longer seek threats in the physical environment but subconsciously hunt for them in the digital space. Social media and news platforms amplify this addiction, as they are designed to keep us on their pages for as long as possible.
Negative content triggers strong emotions - fear, anger, outrage. These feelings heighten our attention and cause the brain to seek even more information, creating a vicious cycle.
How does Doomscroll affect our lives?
At first glance, scrolling through the news seems like just an innocent habit. But it has serious consequences for mental and physical health:
- Chronic anxiety. Constant consumption of negative news keeps the brain in a state of "readiness for battle." You feel tension even when there is no threat.
- Sleep disturbances. Doomscrolling before bed prevents relaxation, and your brain continues to "digest" the information received even at night.
- Feelings of helplessness. The constant stream of problems and tragedies can lead to apathy. It seems that the world is too chaotic, and you are powerless to change anything.
- Concentration problems. Doomscrolling forces the brain to constantly switch between different headlines, reducing the ability to focus on one task.
- Physical exhaustion. Constant tension and lack of quality rest lead to fatigue, even if you are not physically doing anything.
How to understand that you have fallen into the Doomscroll trap?
Signs that doomscrolling has become your problem:
- You regularly spend more time reading news than you planned.
- Reading news causes you anxiety or anger, but you can't stop.
- You start and end your day with your smartphone in hand, scrolling through news.
- Even in a calm moment, you feel that you must "stay informed."
How to get rid of the Doomscroll habit?
- Set limits on time spent on social media.
Use apps that block access to news platforms after a certain time. For example, set a rule: no news an hour before bed.
- Filter your information sources.
Choose only verified news sources that provide balanced information without unnecessary hype.
- Engage in something else.
Sports, hobbies, reading fiction - all of this helps to switch to positive emotions.
- Practice "digital detox."
Set aside a day or a few hours for a complete break from your phone. Spend time in nature, talk with friends offline.
- Learn to be aware of your emotions.
Noticed that the news triggers strong anxiety or anger in you? Tell yourself, "I can stop this." Close the app and do something to relax – for example, meditate or have a cup of tea.
Why is it important to fight Doomscroll?
Doomscrolling is not just a trend, but a serious problem of modernity. Information is a powerful tool, but if abused, it begins to control us.
Instead of getting caught up in negativity, it is worth learning to choose information that inspires. Remember: your mental health is a priority. Take care of yourself, choose positivity, and moderate your information flow.
Your smartphone is just a tool, and how to use it is up to you. 😊
This post doesn't have any additions from the author yet.
