Doomscrolling is the habit of compulsively consuming negative or worrying news on social networks or the internet, especially in times of crisis. Access to mass media such as television, computers and cell phones can be extremely harmful if used inappropriately.
Although it seems like a way to stay informed, this behavior can have detrimental effects on our mental health, fueling anxiety, stress and a pessimistic view of the world. But why do we fall into this trap? And, most importantly, how can we break this cycle? In this PsychologyFor article, we will provide you with information about What is doomscrolling and why you should avoid it.
In simple terms, doomscrolling is a compulsive practice of watching harmful content on the internet. Although this action was carried out by some people for several years, doomscrolling became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social isolation and the need to have detailed information about the negative consequences of the transmission of the virus were the search engine of millions of users around the world. In short, the person cannot stop looking at unfavorable information on social media, despite the suffering that this generates.
Although it is not classified as a mental health disorder, we could think that this condition would belong to the group of obsessive-compulsive disorders found in the DSM-V. To make an accurate evaluation of this problem, it is necessary that a series of diagnostic criteria be met. Next, we will point out the most important ones:
Presence of compulsions and/or obsessive thoughts
Deterioration of work, social and family relationships as a result of one’s own symptoms
The alterations cannot be explained by the ingestion of toxic substances, specific medications or other mental health disorders.
Why doomscrolling causes addiction
Beyond the fact that each person has traits that make them unique and unrepeatable, there are some general reasons related to this problem. Next, we will see the main origins:
Search for pleasure in pain: From a psychoanalytic perspective, human beings have a tendency to encounter negative situations. This is based on the satisfaction of an unconscious pleasure, which can produce a variety of symptoms.
Release of neurotransmitters: Doomscrolling produces a release of neurotransmitters associated with immediate pleasure and happiness, which play a fundamental function in the central nervous system. In most cases, people believe that they can be happy if they read negative content on social media because of the illusion of change. However, this turns out to be a trick of the brain, because large amounts of dopamine and adrenaline, neurotransmitters related to pleasure, are released.
Social fear: Given the lack of current information that can be provided by social media, people insist on collecting information from the Internet. In any case, it is common that no distinction is made between positive and negative data.
Why it is better to avoid doomscrolling
Given the presence of unlimited data on social networks, it is necessary to take some precautions to avoid harmful effects. In this section, we will present specific reasons to avoid doomscrolling:
Social isolation: People who have constant contact with negative news may withdraw from their social groups. This can occur both in the workplace and in family and friendship settings. In some cases, the fear of catastrophic events can become a defense mechanism to avoid personal encounters.
Low self-esteem: The negative impact of the news can affect people’s mood. This translates into a lack of confidence in personal resources and a pessimistic view of the future.
Appearance of diseases: Whether it is a physical or psychological condition, doomscrolling can be a factor that predisposes the emergence of problems. Among physical diseases, there is a high probability of developing obesity, diabetes and/or others. The reason for this is a lack of personal care due to being in constant contact with the cell phone. As for psychological disorders, obsessions, phobias, among others, are taken into account.
Despite the unfavorable consequences of doomscrolling, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms. In the next items, we will develop some effective advice in these situations:
Perform psychological therapy: The assistance of a mental health professional provides tools to cope with this type of illness. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis are two therapeutic approaches that can improve quality of life.
Recognition of the problem: It is necessary to become aware of the inconveniences that this habit brings. To do this, we must carry out a review of the damages that occur in interpersonal relationships.
Set limits: If phone use has become an unlimited activity, it is necessary to establish schedules. We can use alarms, reminders and/or applications that indicate the time spent.
Carry out social activities: Physical exercise, reading, writing and crafts are examples of some situations that help control symptoms.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is doomscrolling and why you should avoid it we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.
References
Camacho Fernández, P. (2023). Effects of information overload on news consumer behavior. International Journal of Visual Culture, 1 (1), 2-11.
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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team at PsychologyFor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to evidence-based research. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
