doomscrolling

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/ˈduːmˌskroʊlɪŋ/
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A compulsive habit of scrolling through online news or social‑media feeds that emphasize negative or distressing information, which can affect emotional wellbeing

Examples

  • The app’s endless feed encourages doomscrolling.
  • After the headlines, she fell into doomscrolling for hours.
  • Breaking the cycle of doomscrolling can improve mood.
  • She set a timer to limit her doomscrolling each day.
  • His doomscrolling habit made it hard to sleep at night.

Similar words

negative news binge
sad scrolling
media doom
news binge
information overload
digital gloom
gloom scrolling
doomfeed

Meanings

Usage

Use doomscrolling when describing the habit of repeatedly scrolling through negative online content that harms mental health.

Common mistakes

Confusing doomscrolling with casual browsing leads to misuse of the term.

Etymology

FAQ

What does doomscrolling mean?

Doomscrolling is the habit of repeatedly scrolling through negative or distressing online content, often harming emotional wellbeing.

Why does doomscrolling affect mental health?

Continuous exposure to upsetting news heightens anxiety and can lower mood, making doomscrolling a risk factor for stress and depression.

How can I stop doomscrolling?

Set time limits, use app blockers, replace the habit with positive content, and practice mindfulness to break the cycle.

Is doomscrolling a recent term?

Yes, the word appeared in the early 2020s as social‑media use surged and was popularised by online articles and research.

Can doomscrolling happen on any platform?

It can occur on any digital feed—news sites, social media, or apps—where endless scrolling of negative content is possible.

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