Doomscrolling refers to spending an excessive amount of time reading negative news online without pausing. Learn more about the health effects of doomscrolling and how you can stop.

The term “doomscrolling” was coined in 2020 and gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for accessing updated information and news was at an all-time high.

During global or national emergencies, such as natural disasters or health crises, it can often become difficult to disconnect from the constant news cycle. You may be worried that you’ll miss an important announcement, or you may feel more in control by consuming as much news as possible.

Research has found that doomscrolling can unsurprisingly have a negative effect on your mental and physical health. It may be something you do unconsciously at first when reaching for your phone, but over time, it can become a compulsive and harmful habit.

Read on to learn why you may be doomscrolling, how it can affect your health, and how you can stop.

Doomscrolling is the compulsive act of viewing negative news online, particularly on social media platforms, which have made it easier to consume large amounts of information at the tap of a button.

It can often have harmful effects on your mental health and well-being and lead to feelings of anxiety, distress, or uncertainty. In other words, it can create the sense of “impending doom.”

A 2021 literature review highlighted that during COVID-19, many people changed their behavior surrounding technology use. They began frequently staying up late and searching online for new symptoms and cases.

The review authors also noted that the need to fill information gaps can influence doomscrolling. For example, coming across one piece of information may lead to further searching across digital platforms to confirm or build upon the initial information.

Doomscrolling can create a toxic cycle of consuming and confirming negative news and information. It can lead to compulsions and make it challenging to stop.

A 2024 study evaluated the psychological effects of doomscrolling in the United States and Iran. The research indicated that behavior surrounding media exposure can significantly affect mental health and result in existential anxiety and an increased pessimistic view of the world.

A study published in 2023, which evaluated doomscrolling effects in survivors in Türkiye following two earthquakes, showed that the habit can increase levels of depression and stress.

Doomscrolling can also affect your physical health and lead to:

Trying to constantly stay informed online can cause you to feel overstimulated and put you in a heightened state of anxiety before you pick up your device. It can mean you spend more of your day on high alert or in panic.

Doomscrolling can often become an addiction without realizing it, as smartphones provide a constant stream of new information and updates through alerts and notifications.

Many people may not even notice that the habit could be harmful to their health, as consuming media has become such a regular part of daily life.

A recent American Psychological Association news article highlights research indicating this behavior can result in a small release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that leads to feelings of pleasure. It can also increase your motivation and spur you to absorb further information.

Doomscrolling can often create a false sense of control and cause you to ignore internal cues that a certain action is causing harm. Receiving an influx of news, positive or negative, can also leave you without enough time to process what has happened.

If you find yourself constantly scrolling through your social media feed or news apps, it may be time to consider adding some of the following strategies to your daily routine:

  • Using time limits: Setting time limits can help you be more mindful of how long you spend consuming information online. Most smartphones have functions that allow you to choose how much time you want to spend daily on an app. If you exceed your limit, it will lock and require a code to resume. Taking the time to unlock the app can sometimes be enough to bypass the need to check it.
  • Deleting news apps: Sometimes, it can be easier to simply delete your news apps. This can remove the urge to pick up your phone and make it easier to maintain your boundaries.
  • Asking loved ones for help: It can be helpful to ask those you live with or spend a lot of time around to remind you to switch off from the daily news cycle. You may be unaware of how much time you’re spending doomscrolling. A loved one can help you recognize the behavior when it occurs.
  • Considering taking a technology break: If you’ve found that the previously mentioned methods are not helping and you cannot stop doomscrolling, consider taking a technology break. It can be helpful to remind yourself that you’re stepping away for your well-being. If you’re anxious about missing something important, consider asking a friend or family member to inform you of any crucial updates.

If doomscrolling is affecting your mental or physical health and you are unable to stop, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional. They can provide support and recommend coping strategies to help you consume news in a healthy way.

Doomscrolling is a term that refers to spending an excessive amount of time reading negative news online without pausing. It gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for accessing updated information was at an all-time high.

Research has shown that doomscrolling can negatively affect your health, both mentally and physically. It may be something you initially do unconsciously when reaching for your phone, but over time, it can become a harmful habit.

Setting technology boundaries, such as time limits on your devices, can be a helpful first step in managing the need to constantly stay updated.