Doomscrolling: The Hidden Toll of the Constant Negative News Cycle on Young Minds
In today’s digital age, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the constant stream of news, especially when it’s accessible at our fingertips. For many, especially young people, staying informed has become a daily ritual. However, there’s a darker side to this habit—one that mental health professionals are increasingly concerned about. This behavior is known as "doomscrolling," and it may be having a profound impact on the mental well-being of younger generations.
What is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to the act of endlessly scrolling through negative or distressing news on social media, news websites, or apps. The term combines “doom” (a sense of impending disaster) and “scrolling” (the action of browsing through digital content). It’s the compulsion to continue reading negative stories, even when it starts to feel overwhelming or even harmful. While this behavior isn’t new, the speed and volume of information available today has exacerbated its effects.
The Digital Age and the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Mental health experts have been sounding the alarm about the rise in anxiety, depression, and stress among young people—and doomscrolling is a significant contributing factor. Young adults, teens, and even children are spending more time online than ever before, and unfortunately, much of what they encounter is disturbing or unsettling. From global crises like climate change and political instability to personal struggles such as bullying and social comparison, the news often focuses on negativity, fueling anxiety and fear.
While it’s natural to want to stay informed, constant exposure to traumatic, frightening, and distressing content can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable minds. For young people who are still in the process of developing emotional regulation skills, this constant influx of negativity can feel overwhelming.
The Psychological Effects of Doomscrolling
Increased Anxiety and Stress: Doomscrolling amplifies anxiety by repeatedly exposing individuals to alarming information. Young people who engage in this behavior may start to feel as though the world is falling apart, triggering feelings of helplessness and fear. This chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which may affect sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.
Depression and Hopelessness: As young people are bombarded with endless bad news, they may begin to develop a sense of hopelessness. Constant exposure to troubling global events—combined with social media’s tendency to amplify the negative—can lead to feelings of despair, particularly in those already struggling with mental health issues. Depression can be triggered or worsened by a sense that things will never improve.
Social Comparison and Low Self-Esteem: The constant comparison to others, fueled by both news and social media, can also take a toll on young minds. Seeing others' successes, relationships, or physical appearances in idealised forms can create feelings of inadequacy. This is compounded by the tendency to focus on negative stories in the media, which may skew one's worldview and sense of personal achievement.
Desensitisation: As young people become desensitised to tragedy or disaster through regular exposure, it can alter their emotional responses. In some cases, this can lead to a diminished sense of empathy, as the constant barrage of bad news makes it harder to emotionally connect with or understand the suffering of others.
What To Do If You Find Yourself Doomscrolling
While it’s important to remain informed, it’s equally vital to protect mental health. Here are a few strategies that can help minimise the negative effects of doomscrolling:
Set Boundaries for News Consumption: Encourage young people to set time limits on their social media or news app usage. Designating specific times during the day to check the news or social media—and then turning off notifications—can help reduce the urge to scroll endlessly.
Curate a Positive Digital Environment: Rather than simply avoiding the news, help young people seek out balanced or positive media that can provide perspective. Subscribing to accounts that promote mental well-being, creativity, and hope can help counterbalance the negativity they encounter online.
Encourage Offline Activities: Fostering a strong connection to real-life activities, such as physical exercise, hobbies, or socialising with friends, can create healthy distractions from the digital world. These activities promote positive mental health and provide young people with opportunities to form healthy, in-person connections.
Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness: Teaching mindfulness practices—such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling—can help young people become more aware of their emotional responses to the news. These techniques can encourage them to pause and reflect before getting caught in an emotional spiral.
Open Conversations About Media Consumption: It’s important to have open discussions with young people about the news they’re encountering online. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about the stories they read. This will not only help them process difficult emotions but will also allow you to guide them toward healthier media habits.
When to Seek Professional Help
If doomscrolling begins to affect daily life—causing significant distress, impairing social functioning, or leading to symptoms of depression or anxiety—seeking professional help may be necessary. A clinical psychologist can offer strategies to cope with overwhelming emotions and help develop healthier digital habits. Therapy can also be beneficial in addressing underlying mental health concerns, helping young people process their feelings in a supportive.
