Researchers from Flinders University in Australia have led the first long‑term look at doom scrolling, a pattern where people feel drawn to continually view disturbing and frightening news on social media. The findings come from a study published in a peer‑reviewed journal that analyzes human behavior in digital environments, focusing on how constant exposure to negative information affects everyday mental states.
The term doom scrolling combines an ominous sense of impending danger with the act of scrolling through feeds. It describes a habit where the appeal of fresh, alarming updates can overpower any sense of pleasure or relief, even when the information is distressing and not personally uplifting.
In the latest research, the team explored how this behavior can take a toll on mental health. The study links frequent doom scrolling with heightened stress, persistent anxiety, a bleaker outlook on life, and a sense of existential doubt that folks may carry into their daily routines.
Participants in the study included roughly 800 university students from the United States and Iran who regularly consumed news via social platforms. They answered questions about their social media use, their concerns about meaning and purpose, perceptions of global fairness, and their broader views on humanity. The researchers aimed to connect online habits with deeper emotional and philosophical responses to today’s information landscape.
The outcomes revealed that younger individuals who feel they are approaching a crisis era often show signs similar to post‑traumatic stress, even in the absence of a direct traumatic event. These students tended to experience more existential anxiety and hopelessness, and they were more likely to develop a negative view of other people, known as a tendency toward misanthropy. The pattern suggests that repeated exposure to troubling news can shape mood and worldview over time, independent of personal trauma.
Experts emphasize that doom scrolling is a habit that can be harmful to mental well‑being. They urge practical steps to reduce its hold, including setting boundaries on social media time, creating information diets that mix lighter content with critical news, and engaging in activities that provide a sense of control and uplift. The goal is to protect mental health while staying informed in a world where news moves rapidly and widely across digital networks.
Earlier investigations into internet use have proposed several strategies to counteract excessive online consumption. Suggestions include mindful scrolling practices, digital detoxes, and the cultivation of healthier routines that promote resilience and emotional balance over time. As online platforms continue to evolve, researchers note the importance of designing better tools and habits that help people navigate the flood of information with less cumulative harm to mood and outlook. Citations: ongoing research on digital wellbeing and media effects, with a focus on how repeated exposure to negative news shapes thoughts, feelings, and social perceptions.