Carver: There’s a Hidden Toll to Doomscrolling

Greenfield Daily Reporter

Jan 2025

 

 Do you remember the days when we would sit back and relax after a long day, maybe with a cup of coffee, and simply enjoy the quiet?

 It was a time when we could watch the evening news, read a newspaper, or even just chat with neighbors without the constant buzzing of endless information. It was a time when our thoughts were ours alone to navigate, not constantly interrupted by breaking news or headlines flashing across our screens. Those were simpler times, when the weight of the world was not always at our fingertips, waiting to pull us down.

 Today, however, we live in a world that is always on. With smartphones, tablets and computers, news is delivered at a speed faster than we can process it. And while the speed and accessibility of information have benefits, they come at a cost. This phenomenon, often referred to as “doomscrolling” or “doomsurfing,” has emerged as a modern mental health crisis. But what exactly do these terms mean, and why should we care about their negative impact?

 “Doomscrolling” is the act of endlessly scrolling through negative news stories, often in a compulsive and distressing manner. “Doomsurfing” is a similar behavior but typically refers to moving from one troubling story or online platform to the next without pause.

 In both cases, the experience can feel overwhelming, as though the world is closing in with each new headline. And unlike the days when we could sit down to read the news, today’s digital landscape never stops feeding us more information, much of it distressing or alarming.

 When we think back to our youth, we may recall evenings when the family would gather around the television for the evening news or perhaps settle into the living room with a good book. These moments, while often quiet, were filled with a sense of control over what we consumed. Information was limited, and it was usually presented in a way that allowed us time to process. If we wanted a break, we could simply turn off the television, put down the newspaper, or step outside. Today, however, there is no respite from the constant flood of notifications, breaking stories and often tragic events. Our devices have become both our connection to the world and our source of stress.

 The mental health implications of doomscrolling are serious. Research has shown that consuming constant streams of negative news can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression and helplessness. Unlike the news from our youth, which was curated and edited with a sense of professionalism and deliberation, much of today’s online content is designed to provoke strong emotional reactions. It is no longer just about informing us but about keeping us engaged. These sensationalized headlines and distressing images can create a sense of dread, leaving us feeling like the world is constantly in crisis.

 We were not always so overwhelmed by the world’s problems. There was a time when we could take a step back, knowing not every piece of information required an immediate emotional response. But now, doomscrolling has created an environment where we feel compelled to stay informed, even if it negatively impacts our well-being. This sense of urgency, paired with the constant access to information, leads many of us to fall into a cycle of anxiety that is hard to escape.

This shift in how we consume news and information is especially concerning for older generations who did not grow up with such technology. While younger people have adapted to the fast-paced digital world, many of us, who remember a time when life seemed less frantic, can struggle to find balance. The inability to disconnect from this constant flow of distressing information has left us emotionally drained, unable to fully enjoy the peace we once knew.

 As we reflect on the past, it is clear the simplicity of life in those earlier days allowed us to prioritize our mental health in ways that seem harder to come by now. We were able to focus on our families, hobbies and community without the heavy weight of global crises hanging over us. However, it is not too late to reclaim some of that balance.

 We can take steps to combat the negative impacts of doomscrolling. Setting limits on the amount of time spent on social media or news websites can help. Being more selective about where we get our news, focusing on trusted sources that offer a more balanced view, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being can also be beneficial.

 At the end of the day, we can still remember the peaceful moments of our past and work toward restoring some of that calm in our present. The world may be noisier now, but we do not have to listen to every headline that tries to pull us in. We can take a step back, breathe and remember the value of quiet reflection, just as we did in the days when life was simpler.

 Who knows? “Hope scrolling” could become a thing!

Greenfield resident Dave Carver is the HR director at BLC Outdoor Services and has volunteered with many local organizations. He is currently the chairman of the board for A Better Life Brianna’s Hope.