The word “doomscrolling” couldn’t be more fitting for what so many of us face these days. It’s easy to get swept up in the constant flow of dramatic news, both at home and around the world. Maybe it begins with a quick peek at the headlines while waiting in line, a chat with a friend who mentions something you hadn’t heard, or that irresistible cat video surrounded by clickbait. Clever algorithms, eye-catching headlines, and shocking images convince us we need to stay updated or risk being caught off guard. Before we know it, we’re spending hours lost in a sea of gloomy updates.
Why Is This Such A Big Deal?!
Part of what makes doomscrolling so enticing is simply the ease of access. With our phones loaded with apps and notifications, a news “hit” is just a tap away. There’s also a chemical side to things. Every time we see a troubling headline, our brains get a quick dopamine boost from something new and intriguing—this triggers our reward system, reinforcing our habit. Of course, what follows is usually a rush of stress and worry.
Let’s not forget the writers and publishers of the content—they’re motivated to keep you reading. The American Psychological Association featured an interview with Dr. Don Grant, who studies online behavior. He explained that today, newspapers like The New York Times, rely heavily on clicks. Journalists whose stories get lots of attention move up faster in their careers, so even reporters feel the pressure to focus on negative or sensational news to attract readers.
Then there are those clever algorithms and AI, always ready to suggest even more of what grabs our attention. Once we start clicking, these programs serve up a steady stream tailored to our interests, keeping us coming back for more. They’re designed to be addictive, and they’re remarkably good at it.
Is It Really That Bad?
Imagine what happens when we spend hours soaking up upsetting news. What does that do to our nervous system, mental health, relationships, and perspective? The American Psychological Association points out that all forms of news media can increase emotional distress, but TV and social media seem to have the strongest effect. It’s not unusual to feel anxious, down, or even hopeless. One study found that stress during the pandemic could even mess with basic decision-making! Imagine struggling to decide something as simple as what to wear or what to eat!
What really worries me is how this shapes our brains. There’s a saying, “What fires together wires together.” It’s all about neuroplasticity—our brains change based on what we repeatedly practice. The more we use certain pathways, the stronger they get. If we spend time on music, meditation, or meaningful connections, our brains soak up those positive experiences. However, if we focus on doom and gloom, those upsetting reactions get wired in, making us even more prone to these feelings in the future.
Conclusion
The consequences of doomscrolling are significant: it eats away our time, keeps us in a constant state of anxious anticipation, and makes us feel like we are doing something helpful when most of the time we just end up scared and depressed. Prolonged exposure to distressing news impacts our nervous systems, mental health, relationships, and overall outlook. Yet there are things we can do. Next month, to prevent leaving you depleted and discouraged, I’ll share some ways you can strike a balance—staying informed without losing your peace of mind. I’m giving you hard news but also have actionable steps that can lead to change!
https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/news-overload
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/teen-social-use-mental-health