Scrolling through your phone and getting lost in the content is almost an unconscious behaviour, you sometimes log on to the internet looking for something specific, and then a few hours later you are just captivated and can’t stop scrolling.
There is a slight difference though when it comes to doom scrolling, according to the Cleveland Clinic, doom scrolling is, “when you spend a lot of time online consuming negative news. You may feel like you have to, like you just can’t tear yourself away from all the horrible headlines.”
Psychologist Susan Albers, explains that depression often leads to a mindset of confirming negative feelings through negative news. She states that this habit can become a mindless habit, locking individuals into a cycle of feeling bad and then reading negative news to confirm it. “If you’re continuously scrolling, it becomes a mindless habit. A lot of times, you might not even be aware you’re doing it. But it becomes second nature: Once you have a spare moment, you pick up your phone and start scrolling without even really being aware of it.”
Who is most likely to doom scroll?
The Health online publication mentions that it has been proven that doom scrolling is more common among those with high levels of neuroticism, because of their emotional instability, higher susceptibility to negative emotions, low self-esteem, and increased sadness.
Whereas the health and wellness publication, Very Well Mind states that individuals with anxiety or anxiety-related disorders, such as panic, PTSD, OCD, and social anxiety disorder, are more susceptible to doom scroll due to their anxiety-driven attempts to control situations and others, leading to increased anxiety and fear.
Its effect on mental health
The National Library of Medicine claims that doom scrolling may increase negative thoughts and a negative outlook, which can have a severe negative impact on your mental health. “Research has linked consuming negative news to an increase in depression and anxiety, as well as feelings of fear, stress and sadness.”
The Very Well Mind adds on to say that this activity “prevents you from paying attention to your thoughts and feelings,” and you might not realise how much this bad information is hurting you when you’re reading through all these articles, but when you attempt to fall asleep and close your eyes, your mind is racing with horrible visions.
How to combat it?
According to Health, these are the few steps you can take to fight doom scrolling;
Consider your feelings: The publication advises checking your feelings after the doom scroll whether it boosts confidence or causes anxiety and hopelessness and address the emotions immediately.
Cut down screen time: It is also suggested that you limit device usage, set aside time for social media, and then disconnect for relaxation. Media overload negatively impacts mental health, so manage headline stress effectively.
Take charge: Engage in activities that bring about relief, such as joining a support group, to alleviate anxiety and sadness, allowing you to feel less overwhelmed, states Health.
Also see: Benefits of a social media detox
