A Psychologist’s Guide On ‘Doomscrolling’ – Consuming Negative Content Online In Excessive Amount (Image: AI Generated by Gemini)
As a person who often uses social media for professional reasons, it is undeniably useful to reach out to a wider community. A popular feature available on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are reels/shorts. They are designed to keep the users stay on the app by drawing their attention through short, interesting videos. While it might seem harmless to scroll through content that appeals to you, mindlessly scrolling through them can cause severe psychological effects.
Watching a reel gives you a temporary rush of pleasure, something like a dopamine hit. The user tries to keep seeking the next hit, creating a cycle of addiction. It can also lead to dopamine dysregulation due to continuous exposure to dopamine rush, desensitising us to our everyday routines. Another issue related to mindless consumption of content is a decreased focus on tasks that require more time.
The endless scrolling also exposes us to different kinds of content. This causes feelings of anxiety as being stimulated through an emotional roller-coaster through funny, sad, emotionally charged content all at once can leave the viewer stressed out.
In the articles previously written on sleep, I have mentioned how a lot of screen time can severely disrupt sleep patterns. Many of us tend to watch reels instead of resting in bed before bed time, seriously reducing sleep quality.
While cutting off social media completely would be a bit of a stretch, it is possible to reap its benefits without its adverse effects:
1. You could consider keeping track of the time spent on social media apps. You can also set time limits on your device to control your social media usage.
2. It is important to step away during prolonged sessions of screen time. By incorporating less stressful activities like reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors, your brain will feel relaxed.
3. As opposed to mindless scrolling, you can start practising mindful scrolling by being conscious and aware of your social media usage.
4. A lot of us consume negative content online in excessive amounts, also commonly known as doomscrolling. In order to avoid that, you can follow accounts that bring value to your life. You can set your preferences accordingly so that the algorithm does not push unnecessary content your way.
While social media reels undeniably offer entertainment and an outlet to escape from reality, it can cause significant problems in the long run as it is detrimental to our mental health. It is important to remember that moderation is key so that you can effectively experience the benefits of social media.
(Henna Ayoob is a highly regarded Consultant Psychologist and entrepreneur in Calicut, Kerala, specialises in psychological well-being. With a focus on sleep science, she is known for her expertise in guiding individuals toward optimal mental health. Henna is committed to fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for her clients.)
