Ever scrolled through social media endlessly only to remind yourself hours later that you have wasted some precious hours? Social media's bite-sized content is engaging, fun and takes your mind off things. However, how much scrolling is too much scrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to the compulsive habit of endlessly scrolling through social media. In the age of 24/7 connectivity, doomscrolling has emerged as an unintended byproduct of the digital era. With smartphones constantly within arm's reach and a never-ending stream of news at their fingertips, Gen Zs and millennials are at a heightened risk of falling into the doomscrolling cycle.
But why is it important to stop? We at Hook spoke to a mental health expert, hoping to convince you to stop scrolling!
What Does Doomscrolling Do To Your Brain?
Doomscrolling can have profound effects on your brain, altering its chemistry and functioning in ways that contribute to anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion. When you endlessly scroll through social media and news, your brain becomes trapped in a feedback loop that heightens your stress response.
We at Hook spoke to Kolkata-based therapist Jyoti Das who took us into the world of doomscrolling and how it affects Gen-Z's and millennials the most. Speaking about the dangers of limitless scrolling, she said, “Doomscrolling is the act of continuously scrolling through and exposing yourself to disturbing news you are getting from around the world. Sometimes, people experience survival skills to the point of privilege and helplessness because they cannot do anything. Wanting to disengage from your own life feeling more pessimistic and insignificant in the grander scheme of things. Just withdrawing and isolating yourself more frequently. So I would suggest if you have the privilege, disengage from the internet from time to time. Spend the time in connection with yourself or other human beings. Go to a book club or other social gatherings, maybe. Pick up a new hobby or go back to an old one; do anything that brings you peace.”
Why Are Gen-Z's More Prone To Getting Affected By Doomscrolling?
While millennials had the first few years without technology, Gen Z have been exposed to them since Day 1. Unlike older generations who experienced life before social media, their default behaviour is endless scrolling, often without realizing it.
With 24/7 access to global crises, social issues, and distressing events, they are more vulnerable to doomscrolling.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter amplify this issue. Their algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, and since negative news spreads faster, it fuels a doomloop—the more distressing content Gen-Z consumes, the more they are fed similar posts, trapping them in a cycle of anxiety.
