If you are like most, you actively and repeatedly check social media and news sources throughout the day for COVID-19 and other negative news. And you probably mostly do this at night, just before bed, and for an hour or more. That’s doomscrolling. As a doomscroller, you likely experienced some of its adverse psychological effects, including an increase in stress or anxiety.
Here is a roundup of some well-sourced articles on what you can do to reduce the habit and effects of doomscrolling:
- Our Brains Are Hardwired to Doomscroll: What Can We Do?, Psychology Today.
- The Dangers of Doomscrolling, Globe & Mail (paywall).
- ‘Doomscrolling’ During COVID-19: What It Does to You and How You Can Avoid It, Healthline.
- Your ‘Doomscrolling’ Breeds Anxiety. Here’s How To Stop The Cycle, NPR.
- 5 practical ways to cut back on doomscrolling, Mashable.
- You’re Doomscrolling Again. Here’s How to Snap Out of It. New York Times (paywall).
If you are worried about the effects that doomscrolling or other factors are having on your mental health, please don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a psychologist or talk to your primary healthcare provider. Lawyers may also contact the confidential, free Lawyer Assistance Program in your region.