Doomscrolling: Our Digital Descent into Negativity
How Constant Exposure to Negative News Affects Our Mental Health and What We Can Do to Break Free
Every morning, I wake up to the soft glow of my phone, its screen asking, nay, summoning! me into a world of updates and alerts. What begins as a simple check of notifications quickly spirals into an hour-long descent through an endless feed of bad news and distressing headlines.
This “doomscrolling,” has become a permanent part of our digital lives, especially in this new age where information is both abundant and instant.
The Appeal of Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling, a term that describes the compulsion to continuously scroll through negative news, taps into our most primal instincts. The need to stay informed, combined with the addictive nature of social media algorithms, creates a tempting invitation into negativity. As a writer, I’m used to reading online a lot. So, I have often found myself lost in this digital abyss, absorbing the world’s anxieties as if they were my own.
In his work on hyperreality, Jean Baudrillard discussed how media consumption blurs the lines between reality and simulation. Doomscrolling amplifies this effect, creating a hyperreal environment where the worst aspects of the world are magnified and incessantly fed to us. I’m sure you can imagine the impact this has on our mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and a skewed perception of reality.
The Psychological Toll
Numerous studies have shown that excessive exposure to negative news can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and depression. The American Psychological Association has highlighted how the constant avalanche of distressing information can affect our mental well-being, contributing to feelings of helplessness and chronic stress. This digital consumption of negativity creates a feedback loop, where:
The more we scroll, the worse we feel, and the worse we feel, the more we scroll.
I had a spinal surgery in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and was bedridden for months. Each day began and ended with me glued to my phone, consuming updates on case numbers, lockdown measures, and economic downturns. The weight of the world’s troubles seeped into my own life, affecting my mood and my recovery. It was certainly an eye-opening reminder for me to realize the importance of digital boundaries.
Information Consumption
Philosophers like Immanuel Kant have long emphasized the need to retain autonomy and rationality. Doomscrolling appears to undermine our ability to control our media consumption and maintain a rational perspective on the world. The ethical dilemma lies in balancing our need to stay informed with the responsibility to protect our mental health.
Social media platforms also bear some responsibility for this issue. Their algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, often prioritizing sensational and negative content because it garners more clicks and shares. This practice raises ethical questions about the role of technology companies in shaping public discourse and mental health.
Take the assassination attempt on a former president, Trump. The headlines are everywhere, each notification drawing people deeper into chaotic updates and speculations. Every new piece of information, every video clip, and every social media post seems to pull people, who are completely unaffected by the incident, further into a state of unease.
It’s astonishing how easily one can get trapped in this cycle, feeling the need to stay updated while spiraling into anxiety and dread. This lived experience shows the importance of consciously managing our media consumption.
Breaking the Cycle
I have preached mental peace and contentment for as long as I can remember, but among everything, addressing doomscrolling needs to be a top-priority on our list. Here are a few strategies that have helped me, and might help you, reclaim control over their digital habits:
- Set Boundaries: Establish specific times for checking news and stick to them. Avoid starting or ending the day with a news check. No more rolling over in bed as soon as you wake up to get updated!
- Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that provide positive, balanced perspectives. Limit exposure to sources that prioritize sensationalism. Block those accounts without a second thought. It’s not like there’s a scarcity of digital accounts!!
- Mindful Consumption: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present. When you feel the urge to doomscroll, take a moment to breathe and refocus. Remind yourself, “I’m not a digital junkie!”
- Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from digital devices. Spend time in nature, engage in physical activities, or connect with loved ones face-to-face. The important things in life. ❤
Finally..
While staying informed is important, it should not come at the expense of our mental well-being. We need to mitigate the negative impacts of this modern compulsion by setting boundaries and curating our media consumption.
Writing this article has reenforced the importance of maintaining balance in my mind. Our digital tools should serve us, not enslave us. Through this hyperconnected age, let us strive to harness the power of technology without losing sight of our humanity.
Remember, the key to balancing the digital world and mental well-being lies in mindful engagement.
