In this digital age where things are changing rapidly, we all want to connect with the latest news and information. It gives us a sense of pride if we share the newest information with our peers. From the latest trends, and memes to breaking news we all want updates at our fingertips. But what if this addiction takes a dark turn? This puts us in an endless loop of consuming negative news and distressing information. Enter doomscrolling—a term that perfectly encapsulates this modern phenomenon. In this blog, we go deep into doom-scrolling and find out its impact on our lives and ways to keep breaking this trap.
Whats is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to the situation in which a person continually scrolling through negative and distressing news. The word “doom” represents the implying negative or catastrophic events and scrolling refers to the act of navigating content online. With the help of social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, facebook and more users engage with the information. Sometimes users keep scrolling for hours and consume information which affects their mental well-being. People engage with unsettling topics like crises, disasters, or political turmoil, often beyond what’s necessary or healthy.
Average Time Spent By Users on Social Media Platforms
| Platform | Time Spent |
|---|---|
| 53 Minutes | |
| 35 Minutes | |
| Snapchat | 30 Minutes |
| Youtube | 29 Minutes |
| 15 Minutes | |
| 37 Minutes | |
| 13 Minutes |
- On average, a normal user spends 147 minutes in a day on different social media platforms. Most are working professionals and then students.
- Shockingly we are spending 8 months of our lives only on using Instagram. 42% of Instagram users kept on checking the app multiple times for updates.
- Users aged 25 spend 32 minutes daily, and users aged more than 25 spend 24 minutes on Instagram.
- Almost 32% of users accept that they have found themselves engaged in mindless scrolling and doomscrolling.
Impact of Doomscrolling
- It creates a feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out) in the minds of people which can increase feelings of anxiety and stress.
- Users may go into depression if they have a strong habit of scrolling.
- Exposure to negative information can create a feeling of fear about the future and hopelessness.
- Continued mindless scrolling will lead to a situation of frustration. Your mind needs something interesting to release dopamine.
- Usually, people use social media at late night which impacts their sleeping cycle.
- Looking at the screens for a longer period of time can cause pain in the eyes, headache and fatigue.
- It will lead to a mindset where all things are negative and users lose all hope.
- For people who doom scroll, it’s hard for them to stay motivated as the negative things drain all of their energy.
Know about – Online vs Offline Shopping | Reservation system in India
Reasons of Doomscrolling
- People want themselves to be updated with the latest information especially when something major event is happening.
- Due to fear of missing the informaiton people kept on checking their phones for regular updates.
- Many working professionals use social media as a diversion from the struggle of daily life.
- Negative things draw attention of the people quickly and people spend more time on these things than normal things.
- When someone dont have productive to do or gets bored then doomscrolling can become a habit for them.
- These days people are depressed from relationships, friendships and professional life and they keep on looking the memes and posts which represent their current mindset.
Read About – Ott vs Theatre | Government Job vs Private Job
What to do to Overcome Doomscrolling?
- Always look for positivity in life and see the positive aspects of all the information you consume in life.
- Dont use the phone frequently and try not to use social media for more than 10 minutes in one go.
- Try to follow the news and accounts which spread positivity and uplifting content.
- Try to turning off the notification of social media so it will reduce the constant urge to open the app and check the update.
- Spend your time doing productive activities such as learning new skills, meditation, playing sports, volunteering and spending time with close ones.
- Create a rule for yourself dont check the phone for 1 hour after waking up in the morning and 1 hour before going to bed.
- If you think you are in the trap of doomscrolling and nothing is working out for you. Go to a professional therapist and seek help.
Conclusion
Doomscrlooing can be harmful to our mental health, drain our energy, develop self-doubt and feel stuck in negativity. Yes, it’s important to stay updated with the news and information but not at the cost of mental health. It’s our responsibility to know where to draw the lines and set boundaries. With the small changes in our lives and focusing on the positive things we can break from this cycle.
