Constant consumption of bad news and content online can have a negative impact on mental health. A study has now examined how negatively the so-called doomscrolling actually affects the human psyche.
It can definitely have negative consequences if people spend too much time on social networks or generally on their smartphones. But if you only consume bad news, these factors can become even more pronounced.
The so-called doomscrolling, in which only bad content on social media etc. is consumed, can even lead to existential fears, such as one study published in the Journal of Computers in Human Behavior Reports shows.
Doomscrolling leads to existential dread
For their study, researchers surveyed 800 students from the USA and Iran. They were able to determine that feelings such as existential fear, mistrust, suspicion of others and despair can be traced back to doomscrolling.
Reza Shabahang, the lead author of the study from Flinders University in Australia, compares the constant confrontation with negative news in the Guardian with a “source of vicarious trauma.” People are negatively affected even though they have not experienced this trauma themselves.
When we are constantly exposed to negative news and information online, it can threaten our belief in our own mortality and the control we have over our own lives.
In their study, researchers led by Reza Shabahang found that doomscrolling can cause bad thoughts. These include thoughts like:
- life is fragile and limited
- people are fundamentally alone
- they do not have full control over their lives
Study results need to be further investigated
However, according to the researchers, due to the sample size, the study is “not suitable for drawing clear conclusions about the nature of this relationship.” Helen Christensen Professor at the University of New South Wales described the study as an “interesting preliminary study, but the results could be biased due to the sample size”.
However, the results are “not surprising,” says Dr. Joanne Orlando, a digital behavior expert at the University of Western Sydney, told the Guardian says. Doomscrolling is like being in a room where you’re constantly being yelled at, and it also has similar effects on mental health.
It really impacts how you understand the world and your place in it.
That’s why it’s important that people deal consciously with news on social media. You should also be aware of the feelings you feel and therefore not consume news or scroll through social networks immediately after waking up.
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The article Doomscrolling: This is how harmful the constant consumption of negative news really is by Maria Gramsch first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that doomscrolling is a dangerous phenomenon that can have serious negative impacts on individuals’ mental health and well-being. The constant consumption of negative news and information on social media feeds can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.
Not only does doomscrolling contribute to a cycle of negative thinking, but it can also be incredibly addictive, leading individuals to spend hours mindlessly scrolling through their feeds in search of the next shocking headline. This constant exposure to distressing content can desensitize individuals to the suffering of others, further contributing to a sense of disconnection and isolation.
As someone in the tech industry, I believe it is important for social media platforms and technology companies to take responsibility for the negative impacts of doomscrolling and work towards creating a more positive and supportive online environment. This may involve implementing features that limit the amount of negative content users are exposed to, promoting more balanced and diverse news sources, and encouraging digital detoxes and mindfulness practices.
Ultimately, it is up to individuals to recognize the harmful effects of doomscrolling and take steps to limit their consumption of negative news. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries with social media use, and seeking out positive and uplifting content, we can protect our mental health and well-being in an increasingly digital world.
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