The Perils of Endless Scrolling on Social Media: How Doom Scrolling Shapes Our Perception of Reality and Well-Being

Is ignorance truly bliss? Is turning off our phones and shutting the world out for a few hours really a negative thing? With the impending election on Tuesday, it feels nearly impossible to escape the constant buzz of political discourse, even when we’re offline. But beyond the election, we are inundated with news of war, climate change, and various forms of devastation unfolding across the globe. These issues loom large in our collective consciousness, making it difficult to avoid feelings of anxiety and concern. But is it inherently wrong to care deeply about the things that weigh on our hearts? At what point does that concern transform into a crippling worry that overshadows all other thoughts? When does our desire to stay informed shift into an overwhelming cycle of doomscrolling, leaving us feeling drained and helpless? It raises an important question: how do we strike a balance between remaining engaged with the world and protecting our mental well-being? Perhaps it’s time to reflect on our relationship with information and consider when it might be beneficial to step back and take a breather. 

Doomscrolling is a colloquial term that has emerged in the digital age, describing the tendency to spend excessive time online consuming negative news. This behavior creates a vicious cycle of confirmation bias and depression. Unlike previous generations who received news at set times, we are bombarded with updates in real time. We no longer wait for the next day’s newspaper or the evening news; instead, breaking developments invade our screens at any moment. With social media platforms like Twitter (which I refuse to call X), Facebook, and Instagram doubling as news sources, there’s virtually no escape from the relentless flow of information. It’s all around us, all the time. This constant exposure makes it easy to fall into the habit of compulsively checking our phones, almost as if we’re drawn to the latest updates, even when they deepen our sense of unease. Psychologist Susan Albers points out, “When we’re depressed, we often seek out information that reinforces our feelings.” This rings especially true for doomscrolling; when we’re feeling low, consuming negative news only serves to confirm those emotions. Once this behavior takes hold, it can easily become a habitual loop — feeling bad leads to reading more bad news, which in turn reinforces those negative feelings, trapping us in a cycle that’s hard to break.  

The election is a weird time. With everything going on, it might seem impossible to stay away from our phones just in case something crazy happens. It seems as though crazy things are happening at all hours, and we have become terribly desensitized to it. Before I deleted Twitter, I would scroll from memes about deer to seeing devastation from hurricanes and worldwide conflicts. That kind of normalization and numbness is not healthy for any human being.  We’re bombarded with a constant stream of information that often feels more like entertainment than reality. It’s easy to forget that behind each headline is a story of human struggle or resilience. The thrill of the outrageous can overshadow the importance of empathy, making it harder to connect with our own feelings and the feelings of others. As we navigate this chaotic landscape, it’s crucial to take a step back and prioritize our mental well-being. So, how do we move forward? How do we acknowledge what is happening in the world without sinking into a hole of despair? Where does the line of maintaining your sanity and ignorance blur? 

To simply be ignorant of all issues in the world would be, well, ignorant. The bliss associated with ignorance comes from a privilege that only so many people can take advantage of. I am able to turn off my phone and go outside and ‘touch grass,’ but many around the world and in our own backyards do not have that ability. Not everyone can shut off the world around them. This election is one of the many things happening in the present that will have far-reaching effects for everyone. Not just every American, but everyone, everywhere. You’ve probably read that the stakes around this election have never been higher, and that’s not far from the truth. I know that personally, every time I even think about the election, I get a migraine that makes almost every other migraine I’ve had feel insignificant. There are a lot of things about the future that terrify me. It’s all consuming and inevitable and for a lot of people my age, it seems like it’s going to be a lot worse for a while before it gets better. And that’s despite who wins on Tuesday. 

In a world where information is at our fingertips, the challenge lies in finding that delicate balance between awareness and overwhelm. It’s essential to stay informed, but we must also recognize the toll that constant exposure to distressing news can take on our mental health. Ignoring the realities around us isn’t a viable solution for most, especially when those realities directly impact lives. Yet, we should also question the efficacy of our engagement—are we merely absorbing information, or are we translating that knowledge into action? As the election approaches, let’s commit to a more mindful approach of consuming news. We can choose to curate our feeds, limit our exposure, and take intentional breaks to protect our well-being. Engaging with the world doesn’t have to mean being on high alert 24/7; it can also involve nurturing our mental health and finding joy in the small things that anchor us. 

Amidst the chaos, it’s vital to remember that even small actions can create ripples of change. Simple gestures, like checking in on a neighbor, volunteering at a local organization, or supporting a friend in need, can have a profound impact on those around us. These little acts of kindness not only help others but also foster a sense of community and connection, reminding us that we are not alone in facing the challenges of our time. 

While we can’t shut out the challenges facing our society, we can cultivate resilience by prioritizing self-care and community connection. Ignorance may offer a fleeting sense of relief, but informed action, tempered with compassion for ourselves and others, can lead to genuine empowerment. As we face the uncertainties of the future, let’s navigate this journey with a balanced mindset—staying engaged, yet also allowing ourselves the grace to step back and breathe when needed. By committing to small acts of kindness, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us, fostering hope and solidarity amid the chaos.