Overview of Doomscrolling: continuous,aimless browsing through negative online content, and the impacts upon mental health stressing the importance of its prevention.
The Rise and Harmful Effects of Doomscrolling
In the digital age, a phenomenon known as doomscrolling has emerged, causing significant psychological and physiological impacts on individuals. This compulsive consumption of negative news and distressing content can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, feelings of sadness, helplessness, and emotional fatigue [1][3][5].
The constant exposure to negative stimuli keeps the nervous system in a heightened panic state, disrupting brain function. It impairs cognitive performance, including memory, attention, decision-making, and spatial awareness. The brain's limited resources get depleted faster, causing digital fatigue and sleep problems [3][5].
Moreover, doomscrolling hijacks the brain's dopamine system, similar to addictive behaviors, making it difficult to stop despite its harmful effects [5].
To combat doomscrolling, several effective strategies are recommended. First, putting down the phone or device can help interrupt the cycle of continuous negative exposure [2]. Developing digital hygiene by limiting exposure to distressing news intentionally, setting specific times for news consumption, and avoiding endless scrolling sessions is also crucial [3].
Increasing awareness and media literacy can help manage information better and reduce overload [3]. Engaging in mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques can break the anxiety-scroll loop and cultivate control over impulses to check news repeatedly [1]. Replacing doomscrolling with positive or neutral activities such as hobbies, exercise, or social interaction can reset brain chemistry and reduce stress [2].
Doomscrolling is not classified as a mental health disorder, but it may share characteristics with obsessive-compulsive disorders. Social fear may drive people to collect information from the internet, with no distinction between positive and negative data [6].
The practice of doomscrolling became particularly prevalent during the Covid-19 pandemic due to social isolation and the need for detailed information about the virus [7]. However, it's essential to remember that awareness of the negative impact of doomscrolling on interpersonal relationships is crucial in addressing the issue [8].
Unlimited data on social networks requires precautions to avoid harmful effects. Setting limits, such as establishing schedules for phone use and using alarms, reminders, and applications to monitor time spent, can help control doomscrolling [4].
In conclusion, doomscrolling harms mental and brain health by inducing stress, anxiety, and cognitive fatigue through addictive brain pathways. Stopping requires conscious behavioral changes: reducing screen time, managing information intake, and practicing emotional self-care.
- The compulsive consumption of negative news and distressing content, known as doomscrolling, can lead to conditions related to mental health, such as increased stress, anxiety, depression, feelings of sadness, helplessness, and emotional fatigue.
- The practice of doomscrolling may share characteristics with obsessive-compulsive disorders, as social fear drives people to collect information from the internet, with no distinction between positive and negative data.
- To combat doomscrolling and protect mental health, it's important to Engage in mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, limit screen time, manage information intake, and practice emotional self-care.
