Doom Scrolling
Doom Scrolling
Doom scrolling is the compulsive habit of continuously scrolling through negative or distressing news content online, even when it makes you feel worse.
Details
What Is Doom Scrolling?
Doom scrolling refers to the tendency to compulsively consume a large quantity of negative online news and social media content, even when that content is distressing or upsetting. The term gained widespread usage during the COVID-19 pandemic as people found themselves endlessly refreshing feeds filled with alarming headlines.
Why Can't We Stop?
The human brain is wired with a negativity bias — an evolutionary tendency to pay more attention to threats than to positive information. In the digital age, this instinct can backfire: we keep scrolling because our brain tells us we need to stay informed about dangers, even as the information makes us more anxious.
Breaking the Habit
Set a specific 'news window' of 15–20 minutes per day. Turn off push notifications from news apps. When you notice the loop starting, take three slow breaths and place your phone face-down. Remember: staying informed is healthy, but over-consuming distressing content helps no one.
Mindy says: "Your concern for the world is a sign of a caring heart. But you don't need to absorb every piece of bad news to make a difference. Be gentle with yourself."
💡 Real-Life Example
She opened a news app 'just for a minute' before bed and found herself still scrolling an hour later, feeling anxious and unable to sleep.
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.