Doomscrolling: How Negative News Is Slowly Killing Us and What to Do About It
Have you ever felt like the news is suffocating you? Caught in a whirlpool of bad news that just won’t stop? You’re not alone! The phenomenon known as “doomscrolling” has become a true epidemic of our time. It’s the state where we can’t stop consuming negative news, even though it mentally exhausts us.
Why does our brain pull us towards bad news? Our brains are evolutionarily wired to notice danger first. This was crucial for the survival of our ancestors. Today, in the age of social media and 24/7 news, this means we are bombarded with disturbing information that triggers our anxiety and stress.
What is doomscrolling? Doomscrolling is the compulsive scrolling through bad news. It can be so intense that it causes symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder: flashbacks, sleep problems, feelings of helplessness and despair. Even though we are not directly involved in these events, our brain reacts as if we are.
Why can’t we stop? Paradoxically, the more anxious we are, the more likely we are to seek out more bad news. It’s like looking for confirmation that the world is truly bad, which exhausts us even more.
How to cope with it? Turning off the news is not always an option, especially if you have family or friends in crisis areas. That’s why experts recommend a mindful approach to news consumption:
- Before you start reading, pause and take a deep breath.
- Check how you feel and if you are ready to receive bad news.
- Be critical of sources and verify information.
- Take breaks and don’t overwhelm yourself with information.
- Pay attention to physical signs of stress like sweating, tension, or restlessness.
Signs that news is harming you If you feel you can’t stop following bad news, feel hopeless, irritable, have trouble concentrating or sleeping, it might be time for a break.
What to do when overwhelmed? Take a break from the news, go outside, spend time with loved ones, keep a journal of your feelings. If it’s hard to cope alone, seek professional help.
Conclusion Doomscrolling is not just a bad habit; it’s a mental trap that can slowly destroy us. But a mindful approach and self-care can help break this vicious cycle. Next time you feel the urge to drown in a sea of bad news, remember: your brain is not your enemy, it just wants to protect you. Give it a chance to do so.
So, what do you think? Are you a victim of doomscrolling? Or have you found your way to deal with it? Share your experience, maybe your story will change someone’s day!
