What is doomscrolling and how does it impact us? Experts explain
(NEXSTAR) – It might seem relaxing to take a break from the world and endlessly scroll through your favorite app, but experts are reminding people to be aware of certain warning signs. If left unchecked, this habit can lead to what some call “doomscrolling.”
“Doomscrolling is when you’re so focused on social media that it becomes problematic. You lose time, and you lose a sense of clarity about what you’re actually reading and how it’s affecting you,” said Adam Borland, PsyD, a psychologist with Cleveland Clinic, in a news release.
According to Borland, getting lost in the endless scroll can have real consequences, as doomscrolling can increase stress, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
“Watching upsetting news footage triggers the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response,” a bulletin from Johns Hopkins University of Medicine warns. “Adrenaline is then released, along with the stress hormone, cortisol. When our bodies are in this state, we experience the same symptoms we might feel if we were under threat.”
MAP: See the number of SNAP participants by county as benefit lapse looms
When it comes to news coverage specifically, Johns Hopkins offers the following advice for protecting mental health:
- Identify your triggers – what subjects or news sources cause anxiety or depression to spike?
- Try to read the news instead of watching it, as studies show that the lack of disturbing imagery can, in part, reduce the trigger effect.
- Take action – if there is a subject that most concerns you, consider joining a group to make real-world progress.
- Make sure you vet the sources of your news carefully.
- Remember what makes you happiest and healthiest in life away from your phone or computer, and do more of that.
Borland also suggests setting time limits with an alarm, and when the alarm goes off, it’s time to switch to something more mentally beneficial, like taking a walk or enjoying a hobby.
There are a few things you can do to lessen the negative effects while still enjoying your phone’s apps – check in to see how you are feeling in the moment, and switch up the content you interact with.
“You need to check in with yourself. As you begin scrolling, are you noticing you’re getting a headache, muscle tension, or just not feeling well? It’s important to recognize when your body is trying to communicate something to you,” Dr. Borland said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.
- Tennessee Must Fully Fund Pre-K Special Education, West Tennessee Districts Demand - November 16, 2025
- Jalan Keluar dari Kegelapan untuk Pencegahan Bunuh Diri yang akan diadakan di Richmond - November 16, 2025
- What is doomscrolling and how does it impact us? Experts explain - November 16, 2025
Leave a Reply