Doomscrolling Compulsion refers to the uncontrollable urge to continuously scroll through bad or distressing news—often on social media or news websites—despite knowing it’s negatively affecting your mood or mental health.
What Is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling (or doomsurfing) is the habit of obsessively consuming negative news, especially during crises (like pandemics, wars, natural disasters, or political instability). It becomes a compulsion when the behavior is repetitive, difficult to stop, and interferes with daily life, emotions, or sleep.
Why Is Doomscrolling So Addictive?
Several psychological and neurological factors fuel this behavior:
- Negativity bias: Humans naturally pay more attention to negative information (evolutionarily, it’s linked to survival).
- Information-seeking under uncertainty: In chaotic times, our brains crave information—even bad news—for a false sense of control.
- Variable rewards: Like slot machines, endless feeds sometimes offer something new or useful, keeping you scrolling.
- Fear of missing out (FOMO): You might feel you must stay updated to remain informed or safe.
- Social validation: Doomscrolling often happens on platforms that include likes, shares, or comments—engaging reward systems in the brain.
Signs of Doomscrolling Compulsion
- Spending excessive time reading negative news even when you want to stop
- Feeling anxious, hopeless, or depressed after scrolling
- Checking news or social media compulsively, especially late at night or first thing in the morning
- Disruption of sleep, relationships, or productivity
- Justifying your behavior as “staying informed,” even when it’s harming you
Mental Health Impacts
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive overload and fatigue
- Emotional numbing or hopelessness
- Worsening of existing mental health issues
Would you like some help with Doomscrolling Compulsion? Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Click here or call (602) 492-6507.
