Research Reveals Doomscrolling Could Contribute to Existential Anxiety
Negative media has been a longstanding issue, but modern media employs strategies to keep us hooked, which can have negative impacts on our mental well-being.
Spending excessive time consuming sensationalized news and negative social media content can lead to existential anxiety, causing us to question the purpose and meaning of life. Researchers found that this behavior, known as “doomscrolling,” is associated with symptoms of existential anxiety, regardless of cultural differences.
The study, led by Reza Shabahang, aimed to shed light on the psychological effects of negative news consumption, particularly its existential dimensions.
Doomscrolling: The Modern Digital Epidemic
Shabahang’s research is crucial in today’s digital landscape, where our interaction with negative media has evolved. The rise of “doomscrolling” during times like the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the detrimental effects of constantly seeking negative news updates.
Psychologists, such as Ehab Youssef, have reported an increase in clients experiencing anxiety and depression due to overwhelming exposure to negative news.
This pattern of consuming negative content can lead to media-induced post-traumatic stress disorder, where individuals exposed to traumatic news stories indirectly may suffer similar psychological effects as if they had experienced the events themselves.
Anxious About Life? Blame the News Cycle
Negative news triggers our “negativity bias,” making us seek out unsettling news. A study published in Nature Human Behavior revealed that headlines with negative words attract more clicks and engagement compared to positive content.
News outlets and social platforms capitalize on this bias to boost engagement through negative content, creating an environment where emotionally charged news dominates the landscape.
Continuous exposure to this negativity can shake our core beliefs, leading to existential questions and doubts about the nature of humanity and life itself.
Existential anxiety may cause individuals to engage in more doomscrolling in a futile attempt to find relief, perpetuating a cycle of negativity.
Does Life Have Meaning?
The decline in shared beliefs in universal truths and the rise of existentialism and postmodernism contribute to existential anxiety and the habit of doomscrolling.
These philosophical shifts challenge traditional views on morality, meaning, and reality, leaving individuals to navigate a subjective world view.
The diminishing belief in absolute truths intensifies the impact of doomscrolling, fueling a relentless search for answers in a sea of negative content.
How to Stop Doomscrolling
To combat doomscrolling and alleviate anxiety, it is crucial to approach news and social media with discernment. Prioritizing conscious consumption of negative news can help mitigate existential distress.
Practical steps to prevent doomscrolling include:
- Deleting apps that trigger doomscrolling
- Selecting preferred news sources intentionally
- Avoiding bedtime scrolling by leaving the phone in another room
- Setting daily time limits for news consumption
- Engaging in real-life activities to reduce screen time
Being mindful of the reasons behind engaging with media can help manage consumption effectively and maintain a healthier perspective. Seek professional help if persistent feelings of anxiety or depression persist despite limiting news intake.
