Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling is the habit of repeatedly consuming upsetting or negative content online. It can feel hard to stop, even when the scrolling is making you feel more anxious, heavy, or mentally drained.
What It Often Feels Like
Losing time late at night to negative content
Looking for certainty buy feeling worse instead
Feeling tense or heavy after scrolling
Reading one more post even when you already feel overwhelmed
Why It Happens
Our brains are wired to pay attention to potential threats and uncertainty- it is part of how we have stayed safe. Negative or unpredictable updates can hook our attention because they feel important, even when they are distressing.
In Simple Terms
- Your brain is looking for certainty
- More information is not always more peace
- Stopping can be a form of self-care, not avoidance
What May Help
Replace the loop
Switch to a calmer activity that helps you recover
Grouding after scrolling
Look away, breathe, and reconnect with the present
Notice your body
Use tension or fatigue as a cue to stop
Set a stopping point
Decide in advance when you will log off