What does Doomscrolling mean?
Obsessively consuming negative news online
Detailed Explanation
'Doomscrolling' (or 'doomsurfing') is the act of spending an excessive amount of time on a smartphone or computer absorbing a large quantity of negative, depressing, or scary news. The user often feels a compulsion to keep scrolling and reading, even though the content is making them feel sad, anxious, or angry.
Usage Examples
“I was up until 3 AM last night doomscrolling through bad news on Twitter.”
“He's been in a terrible mood all day; I think he's been doomscrolling again.”
“I need to take a break from social media, my doomscrolling habit is getting out of control.”
Origin & History
The term began to appear on Twitter in the late 2010s, but it entered the mainstream vocabulary in 2020 due to the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, and a contentious U.S. presidential election, which led many people to develop this habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people doomscroll?
Psychologists suggest it may stem from a natural human desire to stay informed and understand threats, even if the constant exposure is mentally unhealthy. It can create a feedback loop of anxiety and a need for more information.