Protect Your Mental Health by Stopping the Cycle of Doomscrolling
The Internet is filled with negative headlines and stories that we obsess over. We read them, share them and watch videos of them. But why do we keep on scrolling?
The term “doomscrolling” was created by Carnegie Mellon University behavioral scientist Ivers. According to Ivers, it is like a downward spiral:
“People who go down the spiral tend to share more doom and gloom news articles on social media and become increasingly negative in their forecasts of the future.”
by Jam Buenavista, BusinessTrends Marketing
August 05, 2022
It involves repeatedly scrolling through the list of trending articles on any social media platform or searching for stories focused on negative news (e.g., death, war, failing businesses). Whenever you are scrolling through some news over the internet, assess yourself as you might be experiencing these factors that contribute to doomscrolling:
- Excessive scrolling through negative news — Constantly thinking that you must not forget anything important. FOMO/ Fear of Missing Out feeling)
- Eager to know the several perspectives even if results may be disheartening
- Lack of restraint or self-control
- Anxiety or distress
While some people use social media to feel connected to others as they scroll through their News Feeds, news about looming threats, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters has become the new normal for many, these doomscrolling events can cause anxiety, stress, and depression. The most important step in protecting your mental health is to recognize that doomscrolling is not a solution. It’s a problem and can be overcome. Prevent doomscrolling by following these easy tips that can be used in your daily routine:
While some people use social media to feel connected to others as they scroll through their News Feeds, news about looming threats, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters has become the new normal for many, these doomscrolling events can cause anxiety, stress, and depression. The most important step in protecting your mental health is to recognize that doomscrolling is not a solution. It’s a problem and can be overcome. Prevent doomscrolling by following these easy tips that can be used in your daily routine:
1. Less screen time
Scrolling may last for hours and could be time-consuming. Set a limit whenever you are browsing over the internet to determine when to stop. Log out from your accounts, delete applications or go through a “social media detox” if necessary to avoid apprehension due to negative news that you might read.
2. Divert your attention
Distract yourself from negativity! Create a schedule and use your time for more significant tasks or hobbies. Always remember that there are certain things that are out of our control, might as well spend our time on noteworthy activities.
3. Focus on self-improvement
Don’t let negative news affect your perspective and well-being, self-help applications or materials such as motivational quotes, breathing exercises, and relaxing sounds can help you calm your mood and distract you from doomscrolling.
Doomscrolling is an addiction. It isn’t relatively gambling or shopping, but it shares some resemblances with those addictions. We can be hooked on doomscrolling so much that we might forget other important things in life. It has been shown to cause feelings of vagueness, uneasiness, distress, and agony. It can affect your mood and well-being, especially when it becomes a habit. Focusing on negative information can disrupt your sleep, productivity, and your time with friends and family. Chronic stress increases the risk of heart problems like stroke, heart attack, or hypertension, it’s also linked to memory loss and depression. Instead of spending your time doomscrolling, seek more positive and enlightening stories that are appropriate and will make us appreciate your welfare. Make your personal connections and increase your own mental health today.
Sources:
Why you can’t stop doomscrolling and 5 tips to halt the vicious cycle
https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/doomscrolling
How to Stop Doomscrolling—With Psychology
https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-stop-doomscrolling-psychology-social-media-fomo/
How to Stop Doomscrolling
https://www.endocrineweb.com/news/what-is-doomscrolling-and-how-to-stop
Doomscrolling Isn’t Helping Our Well Being Warn Experts
Doomscrolling: The toxic trait that’s killing company morale
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