With our interests being influenced, it is possible that we are part of the big “hive mind”.
In today’s hyperconnected world, social media has become an integral part of our lives. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, share news and updates, and consume entertainment. However, there’s a growing concern about the negative effects of excessive social media use, particularly the phenomenon known as “doom-scrolling.”
Doom-scrolling refers to the act of compulsively consuming negative news and information on social media. This can include reading depressing news articles, viewing graphic images, or watching videos of tragic events. While it is natural to be curious about current events, doom-scrolling can become a problem when it leads to increased anxiety, stress, and fear.
Why Do We Doom-scroll?
There are several reasons why we might doom-scroll. One reason is that it’s possible that we are drawn to negative news because it is more stimulating than positive news. Negative news triggers our “fight-or-flight” response, which releases adrenaline and other hormones that make us feel more alert.
Additionally, social media algorithms are designed to keep us engaged, and they often do this by showing us content that is likely to elicit a strong emotional response, such as negative news.
It’s also a part of the reason why we might doom-scroll—we seek reassurance. When we are feeling anxious or uncertain, we may turn to social media to see what others are saying about current events. Say you see a video of an animal getting harmed by a group of humans. The evoked emotion out of you may differ from person to person, but it all boils down to one single response: you would open up the comments section to see the others’ reactions.
The higher the view counts, and the higher number of comments on the video, the more likely you will be fed similar content in the future. The more you’re engaged with the content, the more likely you are to be stuck in the loop. Misery loves company, I might add.
We may also hope that by consuming more information, we will be able to better understand and control the situation. But, as much as this is the outcome people would hope, more often than not we would only see the opposite effect instead—consuming more negative news can actually increase our anxiety. It’s a paradox of seeking reassurance through the consumption of the exact content that induces our anxiety.
The Effects of Doom-scrolling
Doom-scrolling can have a number of negative effects on our mental health. It can increase our anxiety, stress, and fear. It can also lead to feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and despair. In some cases, doom-scrolling can even lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Humans tend to copy what others feel through social media as well. It’s a phenomenon called “emotional contagion (emotion + contagious)”. This emotional contagion is so prevalent on social media because of the platforms being designed to be highly engaging. They use algorithms that prioritise content that is likely to elicit a strong emotional response.
This means only one thing: people are likely to be bombarded with emotional stimuli, which can make it difficult to resist emotional contagion, and eventually, it leads to mental fatigue.
In addition to its mental health effects, doom-scrolling can also have a negative impact on our physical health. It can lead to sleep problems, headaches, and digestive issues. It can also make it difficult to concentrate and focus on other tasks.
How to Break the Doom-scrolling Cycle
If you are concerned about your own doom-scrolling habits, there are a few things you can do to break the cycle.
First thing first: be mindful of your social media use. Being conscious of yourself is important; pay attention to how you are feeling when you are using social media. If you find yourself feeling more anxious, angry, or stressed after using social media, take a break. You don’t owe the world anything for you to keep scrolling.
Also, try to limit your social media time. Set a time limit for yourself each day and stick to it. If it’s difficult to stay away from your phone, try to replace the free time you have for the social media with any activity that takes your attention away i.e. watching movies, spending time with families, playing video games, etc.
Oh, and of course, choose the right content to consume. Unfollow accounts that you find to be negative or depressing (or rage-inducing even). Instead, follow accounts that make you feel happy, inspired, and hopeful. In every social media post (especially on the explore feed where algorithms take care of the content you see), there is an option for you to click on to see less of. On Instagram, for example, the option is located on the drop-down button on the upper-right corner of any post which says “not interested”. Click that, and Instagram will try to reduce feeding you similar content in the future.
Bear in mind, though, that the last suggestion can bring risk echo chambers and filter bubbles to a social media user. Read more about the harmful effects of the user power over social media content here.
Remember, it is important to stay informed about current events. However, it is also important to protect your mental health. By being mindful of your social media use and taking steps to break the doom-scrolling cycle, you can improve your overall well-being.
Interested to read our article on Digital Footprints? Fret not. Click here.
I am glad to be a visitant of this gross blog! , regards for this rare info ! .
I haven¦t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
It¦s really a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I¦ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i¦m satisfied to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I so much indubitably will make sure to do not overlook this website and give it a glance regularly.
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired! Very helpful information particularly the remaining section 🙂 I maintain such information much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time. Thanks and good luck.
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, wonderful site!
Once I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any way you may take away me from that service? Thanks!
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is actually irritating. A good site with interesting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
I have been checking out some of your articles and i must say pretty clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your blog.
This design is steller! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Good ?V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.
Thanks for all of the efforts on this site. My niece really loves carrying out internet research and it’s simple to grasp why. We all know all about the lively means you present informative information via the blog and even cause response from people on that article plus our own child is without a doubt learning a lot of things. Have fun with the rest of the year. Your carrying out a glorious job.
You are my inhalation, I own few blogs and rarely run out from post :). “Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.” by E. B. White.
Dead pent subject material, thanks for selective information. “In the fight between you and the world, back the world.” by Frank Zappa.
Thank you for another great post. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.
I have been checking out many of your articles and i can state pretty nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your website.
This really answered my problem, thank you!
I am forever thought about this, thankyou for putting up.
Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
My brother recommended I may like this web site. He used to be totally right. This put up truly made my day. You can not consider simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Can I just say what a reduction to search out someone who actually is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You positively know the right way to deliver a problem to gentle and make it important. More individuals have to read this and understand this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre no more common because you positively have the gift.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Thank you for any other fantastic post. The place else may anybody get that type of information in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for such information.
I’m truly impressed by your keen analysis and excellent ability to convey information. The knowledge you share shines through in every sentence. It’s clear that you put a lot of effort into delving into your topics, and that effort does not go unnoticed. Thanks for providing such valuable insights. Keep up the great work! https://rochellemaize.com
I am genuinely amazed by your keen analysis and stellar ability to convey information. Your expertise clearly stands out in every sentence. It’s obvious that you spend considerable time into understanding your topics, and the results is well-appreciated. Thank you for sharing such detailed information. Continue the excellent job! http://www.RochelleMaize.com
I am genuinely amazed by your deep insights and stellar way of expressing complex ideas. Your expertise is evident in every sentence. It’s obvious that you invest a great deal of effort into delving into your topics, and the results does not go unnoticed. We appreciate your efforts in sharing this valuable knowledge. Keep up the great work! https://www.elevenviral.com
I’m thoroughly captivated with your deep insights and stellar writing style. Your expertise is evident in each paragraph. It’s evident that you invest a great deal of effort into researching your topics, and that effort does not go unnoticed. We appreciate your efforts in sharing such valuable insights. Keep up the great work! https://www.elevenviral.com