What is doom scrolling?

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3 min read

It’s Sunday night and you’re winding down before bed. You open up your socials and begin your leisurely scroll. You see a cute baby do something funny, you swipe up. You see a dog walking on its hind legs, you swipe up. Then you see a news story about a crime, your interest is piqued. You search up the name of the murderer, their back story and find every piece of information you can find on them so that 2 hours into this dark rabbit hole you are officially an expert on everything that happened in and around this murder. If you do this regularly, you could be a doom scroller.

So, what is doom scrolling?

It's the act of mindlessly scrolling through social media, news, or other digital content, specifically seeking out negative or fear-inducing information. This habit often leads to a sense of unease, anxiety, and stress, as we subject ourselves to a constant barrage of negativity.

While the term "doom scrolling" may be new, the behaviour itself is not. The rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle have made it easier than ever to stay connected to current events, but it's also made it more difficult to disconnect from negative news and information.

Why do we engage in doom scrolling in the first place?

There are a few reasons. For one, our brains are wired to seek out information that could potentially harm us. It's a survival instinct that has served us well throughout human history, but in today's digital age, it can be more harmful than helpful. Additionally, social media algorithms are designed to keep us engaged on their platforms for as long as possible, and negative content tends to be more attention-grabbing than positive content.

Are there any consequences of doom scrolling?

While it might seem like harmless scrolling, studies have indicated otherwise. Excessive exposure to negative news and content can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems like insomnia and headaches.

It can also lead to a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, as we feel overwhelmed by the problems of the world and unsure of what we can do to help.These might seem like detrimental consequences for a few hours of ‘doom scrolling’ but over time, this can heavily impact your mental health.

How can you avoid doom scrolling? Here are a few tips:

It's important to stay informed about current events, but try to limit your consumption of news to a few reliable sources, and avoid constantly checking social media for updates.

Be mindful of how you feel while consuming content. If you notice yourself feeling anxious or stressed, take a break and engage in a calming activity, like meditation or a relaxing hobby.

Take control of your social media feeds. Unfollow or mute accounts that constantly post negative or fear-inducing content, and curate your feeds to include more positive and uplifting content.

Make time for offline activities. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you disconnect from digital devices, like exercise, spending time with loved ones, or reading a good book.

At Circles Life, we believe in the power of staying connected, but we also understand the importance of taking breaks and disconnecting from digital devices when necessary. That's why we offer plans and features that allow you to control your digital consumption, like our Digital Wellness feature, which tracks your daily screen time and allows you to set limits and reminders.

Remember, doom scrolling is a habit that can be broken with conscious effort and mindful practices. By taking control of your digital consumption, you can reduce your exposure to negative news and content and improve your overall well-being. So, put down your phone, take a deep breath, and take a break from the constant stream of negativity. Your mental health will thank you.

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ABOUT THE ARTICLE

Published Date 2023-05-02

Written by Circles.Life

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What is doom scrolling?

So, what is doom scrolling?

Why do we engage in doom scrolling in the first place?

Are there any consequences of doom scrolling?

How can you avoid doom scrolling? Here are a few tips:

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