If you spend endless hours on your phone scrolling through negative content then you're a "doomscroller" — but don't worry, there's a way to stop
Do you often find yourself spending an endless amount of hours scrolling through horrible news stories and negative content? Then you're guilty of what experts call "doomscrolling" — here are a few ways to help yourself and stop the negative cycle!
Video Transcript
NIAMH ADKINS: Hey, I'm Niamh and this is In The Know: Behind The Screens. So this morning, I am locked in a doom scroll. I am looking at natural disasters, corrupt politicians, and before I know it, an hour has passed.
OK, what is doom scrolling and why do you know so much about it?
BRYAN MCLAUGHLIN: So I know about doom scrolling because I've been studying it, but also, because I've had problems with it myself. So doom scrolling, I think, we can identify as scrolling through social media feed for negative information, things that make us upset, getting really caught up in these negative news stories, constantly flipping through, constantly checking to the point you can't stop.
NIAMH ADKINS: What are the top three biggest impacts that doom scrolling and problematic news consumption has on an individual?
BRYAN MCLAUGHLIN: It can increase stress and anxiety. It can take away your time from other things should be focusing on. And if you're into politics, it can increase hostility and animosity towards the other side.
NIAMH ADKINS: And if I was going to come to you and be like, this is ruining my life. Is there any tip or trick you would give to someone?
BRYAN MCLAUGHLIN: Look, if you check the news, there's plenty of bad things to be concerned about, right? There's no doubt about that. But at the same time, what we would argue is that people lack the perspective and grounding that if they look around in their everyday life, things aren't as bad as they think. What's most important is realizing when you're doing it and kind of catching yourself so you stop the downward cycle, and mindfulness really helps with that.
NIAMH ADKINS: If you want to keep up with all things weird and wonderful in the world of social media, you know where to find me. Join me next time on In The Know: Behind The Screens.