What is Doomscrolling ?
In the digital age, information is just a click away. However, a new phenomenon, known as “doomscrolling,” is impacting our mental health more than we might realize. Doomscrolling is the act of compulsively scrolling through negative news on social media or online platforms, a behavior that many of us might find uncomfortably familiar.
The Vortex of Distressing News: Understanding Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling is like being sucked into a vortex of distressing news, unable to pull away, even though the information is often about events beyond our control. It’s a combination of our natural curiosity, a desire to stay informed, and the addictive nature of digital media. Some people, particularly those heavily involved in politics, younger adults, and men, are more prone to this behaviour.
The Role of Mainstream News Channels in Amplifying Doomscrolling
In the era of 24/7 news cycles, mainstream news channels like Sky, BBC, and CNN are often quick to jump onto the next potential disaster or crisis. The speed and intensity of their coverage can sometimes amplify the sense of doom, leading to an overload of distressing news. These channels, in their bid to keep viewers constantly informed, can inadvertently contribute to the culture of doomscrolling. The constant barrage of breaking news alerts, often hyped for maximum impact, can leave viewers feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It’s important to remember that while staying informed is crucial, it’s equally important to manage our news consumption in a way that doesn’t compromise our mental health.
The Impact of Doomscrolling on Mental and Physical Health
However, this habit isn’t just a harmless pastime. It’s a digital behavior that’s taking a toll on our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that about 16.5% of people engage in what’s considered severely problematic news consumption, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even poor health. It’s like being in a constant state of high alert, which can take a toll on both our mental and physical health.
Chronic Stress: The Unseen Consequence of Doomscrolling
The constant influx of negative news can lead to a state of chronic stress, which is linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Moreover, it can disrupt our sleep patterns, affect our appetite, and decrease our motivation to engage in activities we usually enjoy.
Breaking Free from the Doomscrolling Cycle
Doomscrolling can be a difficult habit to break, but with awareness and deliberate action, it’s possible to reduce its impact on our mental health. Here are some steps you can take:
- Awareness: The first step is recognizing that doomscrolling is a problem. Pay attention to your online habits and notice when you’re getting sucked into a cycle of negative news consumption.
- Set Boundaries: Limit the time you spend on social media and news sites. You might find it helpful to set specific times for news consumption, such as in the morning or evening, rather than continuously throughout the day.
- Turn Off Notifications: The constant pinging of our devices can trigger a stress response and pull us back into the cycle of doomscrolling. Consider turning off news notifications, or at least limiting them.
- Practice Mindful Consumption: Be present and intentional about your news consumption. Ask yourself if what you’re reading is beneficial or if it’s contributing to your stress levels.
- Engage in Positive Activities: When you notice that you’re starting to doomscroll, choose to step away and engage in a different activity that’s good for your mental health, like reading a book, going for a walk, or talking to a friend.
- Seek Support: If you’re finding it difficult to break the cycle of doomscrolling, don’t hesitate to seek support. This could be from a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional.
Remember, it’s not about completely cutting off from the world, but about consuming news in a way that’s healthy and balanced. Staying informed is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our mental health.
Mindfulness: The Key to Combat Doomscrolling
Practicing mindfulness can also be beneficial. This involves being fully present in the moment and observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment. When we notice that we’re starting to doomscroll, we can choose to step away and engage in a different activity that’s good for our mental health, like reading a book, going for a walk, or talking to a friend.
Remember, it’s not about completely cutting off from the world, but consuming news in a way that’s healthy and balanced. Staying informed is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our mental health.
Consider this mindfulness guidebook available on Amazon to help you practice mindfulness and combat doomscrolling effectively.
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