Check out what is doom scrolling, its effects and how to control it:
During the pandemic, most of us consumed too much news, and let’s agree that most of it were bad news. And yet we kept scrolling and reading articles continuously, ultimately thinking too much about it. Well, there is a particular term for that feeling when you can’t stop scrolling down social media or reading news that you know will make you sad, anxious, or angry is called Doom scrolling.
What is Doom scrolling?
Doom Scrolling means mindlessly scrolling through negative news articles, social media posts, or other content-sharing platforms. Essentially, it’s reading one negative story after another. And this has grown in the pandemic. Though it surfaced on Twitter in 2018, it became popular after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April of 2020.
How does it affect your health?
If you spend several minutes or hours reading stories or posts online that are distressing in some way then you have spent your time doom scrolling. The overall impact doom scrolling has on people can vary, but typically, it can make you feel extra anxious, depressed, and isolated,
Doomscrolling can be a harmful habit for your physical and mental health. The current pandemic creates a sense of anxiety and depression. So consuming more negative information can cause anxiety and depression. This activity can exacerbate pre-existing or developing mental health issues. It is even worse for people who have underlying mental health conditions. Further, these effects can cause physical issues. Stress in any form is harmful to the body and mind.
How to control it:
Habits like doom scrolling can be addictive, so you need to quit it:
- Set a time limit
We often keep on scrolling our phone for hours, setting time limits can help you log out of your doom scrolling session. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you that it’s time to log off. You can use screen limiting apps.
- Avoid social media
If you think you are addicted to consuming negative news then put a limit on accessing social media. Consider deleting the apps from your phone, you can log into them from your browser.
- Visit positive sites
Make a list of all social media websites that can help you feel more positive and give good vibes. Reading articles on these websites can help you feel better.
- Cut off-screen time before sleeping
Practice ending screen time 15 or 30 minutes before bed and slowly increase that to an hour or more. Experts say that technology impacts sleep quality and can keep your brain alert preventing you from getting a peaceful sleep.
Try to consume less negative news on social media.
