In a world where information is available 24/7, we are constantly exposed to a stream of news, most of which carries a negative tone. Every day, we encounter headlines about wars, disasters, economic crises, and other troubling events. Even though this news causes fear or anxiety, we keep reading it. Why does this happen? What makes us return to information that only worsens our mood? In this article, Baltimore Chronicle will explore the psychological, social, and media-related factors behind this phenomenon.
What Is Doomscrolling and Why Has It Become a Widespread Habit?
The Nature of the Phenomenon
Doomscrolling is the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news, even when it triggers anxiety or stress. The term gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people spent hours reading updates on the situation. However, this behavior persists and often negatively impacts mental health.
Causes of Doomscrolling
- Information addiction: We feel that the more we know, the better prepared we are.
- Need for control: Negative news creates anxiety, and we seek more information to reduce it.
- Social pressure: Everyone discusses current events, so we also want to “stay informed.”
How It Works
With every update to the news feed, the brain anticipates a new dose of information. Even if it’s disturbing, it activates the reward system, prompting us to seek more. Thus, doomscrolling is a form of information addiction.
Psychological Mechanisms: Why Disturbing News Captures Attention
An Evolutionary Legacy
Our brains evolved to pay more attention to threats. In ancient times, this helped people survive — knowing about danger meant avoiding it. That’s why we instinctively focus on negative signals.
The Neuroscience of News
- Negative information activates the amygdala — the part of the brain responsible for fear.
- At the same time, the brain releases dopamine when we learn something new, even if it’s scary.
Getting Used to Stress
Some studies show that regularly reading disturbing news can lead to chronic stress. Paradoxically, the body becomes accustomed to this state, and we continue seeking such stimuli.
How Media Uses Disturbing Content to Keep Attention
Social Media Algorithms
Modern platforms are optimized to show content that elicits the strongest emotional reaction. Most often, that reaction is fear, anger, or anxiety. This helps keep users engaged longer.
Clickbait and Sensationalism
Many headlines are designed specifically to provoke an emotional response and prompt clicks. For example:
- “Ukraine Faces a New Blow — Experts Shocked!”
- “What Are Governments Hiding? The Truth They Don’t Want You to Know”
This isn’t just information — it’s a psychological technique.
The “If It Bleeds, It Leads” Principle
The news industry is driven by traffic, which means it’s profitable to highlight worst-case scenarios. Positive news simply doesn’t capture attention the way negative news does.
Consequences of Constant Exposure to Disturbing News
Emotional Burnout
Long-term contact with negativity can lead to apathy, depression, and irritability. A person loses the sense of safety, even if their life isn’t objectively threatened.
Sleep and Concentration Issues
After reading news before bed, many people report insomnia or mental heaviness. Constant anxiety also lowers the ability to focus.
Distorted Worldview
If your only source of information is negative news, you may start believing the world is worse than it actually is. This is known as the “negativity effect.”
How to Reduce the Psychological Impact of Disturbing News
Practical Steps
- Limit your news time (e.g., 20 minutes in the morning).
- Use timers or app blockers.
- Choose reliable sources without clickbait headlines.
- Take digital detoxes — full days without news.
- Keep a gratitude journal to focus on the positive.
Create a Conscious Media Environment
- Unfollow panic-driven channels.
- Subscribe to media that offer analysis rather than sensationalism.
- Add science, culture, and progress-related news to your routine.
News Consumption Comparison — Mindful vs. Anxious Approach
| Feature | Mindful Approach | Anxious Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Sources | Verified, independent | Sensational, emotional |
| Time spent | Limited | Uncontrolled, often at night |
| Emotional state afterward | Calm, informed | Anxiety, fear |
| Frequency of checking news | 1–2 times a day | Hourly or more |
| Reaction to negative events | Analytical | Panicked or emotional |
What Psychologists Say: Why We Can’t Stop
Psychological Theory of “Control Deficit”
People tend to seek explanations for anxiety-inducing events. Reading news creates an illusion of control over the situation.
Social Dependence
The need to “stay in the loop” often stems from the fear of missing out or being excluded from discussions. This is called FOMO — fear of missing out.
The Repetition Effect
The more we see certain information, the more we believe it — even if it’s exaggerated. This is known as the “illusory truth” effect.
How to Turn News Into a Tool, Not a Source of Stress
- Choose an “information window”: a fixed time when you check the news — and don’t go beyond it.
- After the news, do something that brings joy: exercise, hobbies, reading.
- Share information mindfully — don’t spread panic or unverified stories.
- Talk with close ones about how you perceive events — this helps reduce anxiety.
Earlier we wrote about how does procrastination affect mental health.