The Vicious Cycle: The Psychology Behind Doomscrolling

The Vicious Cycle: The Psychology Behind Doomscrolling

What Is Doomscrolling?

Doomscrolling, the compulsive consumption of overwhelming negative news online, is a widespread habit driven by a confluence of psychological factors and ancient survival instincts. Far from being a harmless pastime, it can quickly turn into a vicious cycle that depletes mental health.

Why We Get Hooked

The primary driver is the human negativity bias. Evolutionarily, our brains are hardwired to give greater attention to potential threats, a necessary instinct for survival. In the digital age, this translates to an automatic focus on alarming headlines, which are perceived as crucial information we need to seek out to feel safe or prepared for an uncertain world.

During times of crisis, like a pandemic or political unrest, this instinct goes into overdrive. People often doomscroll in an attempt to gain a feeling of control over uncertainty. They believe that if they just gather one more piece of information, their anxiety will subside.

The Detrimental Effect

Unfortunately, this strategy usually backfires. Instead of reducing anxiety, endless exposure to distressing content activates the body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” stress response, leading to a rise in stress hormones like cortisol.

The Doomscrolling Loop

Doomscrolling becomes a harmful, compulsive loop:

1. Anxiety over an issue prompts the urge to scroll.

2. The user is met with more negative news, which reinforces their belief that the world is a dangerous place.

3. This increases anxiety, driving the user to scroll again in a renewed, but fruitless, search for reassurance or an answer.

   
   

This cycle is strongly linked to worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disruption, and overall mental fatigue. Recognising this compulsive, non-productive pattern is the essential first step toward healthier news consumption.