In the digital era, information is more accessible than ever before. While this provides immense opportunities for learning and awareness, it has also given rise to an unhealthy behavioral trend known as doomscrolling—the compulsive consumption of negative news, often late into the night, through endless scrolling on digital devices.
The term gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when people, confined to their homes, found themselves repeatedly refreshing social media and news platforms for updates. Although initially driven by a desire for information and control in uncertain times, doomscrolling quickly evolved into a harmful habit that continues to affect millions.
Why People Doomscroll
Psychologists suggest that doomscrolling is rooted in the brain’s survival mechanisms. Humans are naturally drawn to threats and negative information as a way of preparing for danger. In the modern context, this instinct translates into an endless search for alarming news, even when it offers no direct benefit to personal safety. The design of digital platforms amplifies this tendency—algorithms prioritize emotionally charged content, keeping users hooked in a cycle of anxiety and engagement.
Psychological Consequences
Doomscrolling has a significant impact on mental health. Prolonged exposure to negative headlines intensifies feelings of stress, hopelessness, and fear. Many individuals report increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia as a result of their compulsive news consumption. The constant intake of alarming information creates a sense of powerlessness, reinforcing the belief that the world is overwhelmingly dangerous and uncontrollable.
Moreover, doomscrolling contributes to cognitive overload. The brain, bombarded with a stream of tragic events and crises, struggles to process the information constructively. This leads to emotional exhaustion and reduced capacity for problem-solving and empathy.
Social and Lifestyle Effects
Beyond individual mental health, doomscrolling influences social interactions and lifestyle choices. People caught in the cycle often withdraw from positive social activities, preferring to remain online. Their conversations may become dominated by negativity, which can strain personal relationships. Sleep quality is also heavily affected, as doomscrolling frequently occurs late at night, disrupting circadian rhythms and reducing overall well-being.
Breaking the Cycle
Overcoming doomscrolling requires both awareness and active strategies. Psychologists recommend setting clear time boundaries for news and social media use, such as limiting screen time before bed. Curating news sources to include balanced perspectives and uplifting content helps counter the negativity bias. Practicing mindfulness and grounding exercises can reduce compulsive scrolling, while engaging in offline activities—such as hobbies, exercise, or time in nature—restores emotional balance.
Community and media organizations also play a role. Promoting responsible journalism, fact-checking, and positive storytelling can shift the focus from constant crisis to constructive narratives, reducing the psychological burden on audiences.
Conclusion
Doomscrolling is more than a digital habit—it is a modern psychological phenomenon shaped by human instincts and technological design. While staying informed is important, excessive focus on negative information erodes mental health and undermines resilience. By setting boundaries and adopting healthier digital practices, individuals can regain control of their information consumption, reduce anxiety, and foster a more balanced outlook on life.
