Doomsday Scrolling: What is it, its effects, age groups involved, and how to limit it?

More and more people around the world are 'doomscrolling' as they seek information related to the horrific COVID-19 pandemic. As per the experts on the subject, it is a double-edged sword as obsessive searching for information can keep us updated and help mobilise resources, but on the other hand, it nudges us towards an exaggerated sense of gloom and doom.

What is Doomsday Scrolling?

The tendency to endlessly scroll or surf through the bad news even if it saddening or depressing is known as Doomsday surfing. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this tendency as most of us continuously read news related to it without being able to stop, sometimes even sacrificing our sleep or working hours. 

Effects of Doomsday Scrolling

It can reinforce negative thoughts and impact our mental health at length. Surfing through bad news is linked with greater fear, stress, anxiety, and sadness. 

For some people, doomsday scrolling may become an unsatisfying addiction that promises safety, security, or certainty when, in fact, it provides the opposite, causing a constant, low-level panic that is difficult to ward off. 

In the long run, doomsday scrolling can increase levels of cortisol and adrenaline, both of which are stress hormones, leading to health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, etc. 

Age Groups Involved in Doomsday Scrolling

Almost every human being on the earth is involved in doomsday scrolling. Consuming more information is addictive, and our social media algorithm are designed in a way that serves up feed as per our peak interest, thereby becoming a vicious circle.

15-30 years- Surfing to keep themselves updated and mobilise resources
30-45 years- Blaming others for the horrific pandemic

On the brighter side, the senior citizens are trying to spread positivity and spirituality amid the global pandemic. 

Dopamine and Doomsday surfing

It is to be noted that both positive and negative news results in dopamine-high, thereby becoming a self-sustaining activity, on the lines of chemical addiction. 

Dopamine is a chemical compound found naturally in our body. It is a neurotransmitter and controls the movements of our body. A balanced level of dopamine is important for both mental and physical well being. 

How to limit Doomsday Scrolling?

Turn off the app notifications, create boundaries for social media use, and limit screen time. Self-control is the key to keep yourself away from doomsday scrolling. 

It is rightly said that checking your phone for an extra two hours every night won’t stop the apocalypse, but could stop you from being psychologically prepared for it.

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