doomscrolling

D

doomscrolling (noun)
/ˈduːmˌskroʊlɪŋ/

Meaning

• The act of persistently consuming negative news or information online, especially through social media or news websites, often resulting in heightened anxiety and distress.
• The compulsive behavior of continuously checking and reading bad news on digital platforms, even when such content induces feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or depression.
• The tendency to obsessively scroll through online news feeds expecting negative updates, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of dread and the compulsion to seek more bad news.
• The habitual action of endlessly surfing through distressing news articles or social media posts, often leading to mental health issues such as increased stress, anxiety, or depression.
• The practice of continually seeking out and consuming pessimistic or alarming news online, which can result in a constant state of high alert and negatively impact one’s overall well-being.

Example Sentences

1. Late at night, she found herself doomscrolling through endless headlines about natural disasters.
2. His anxiety worsened after hours of doomscrolling on social media.
3. Many people began doomscrolling during the pandemic, constantly seeking updates.
4. He tries to avoid doomscrolling before bed to protect his mental health.
5. The constant habit of doomscrolling left him feeling drained and hopeless.

Origin and History

The term “doomscrolling” encapsulates a modern digital behavior where individuals compulsively consume negative news online, often leading to increased anxiety and stress. Understanding its origin involves exploring its linguistic roots, the timeline of its emergence, and the societal factors that contributed to its widespread use.​

Linguistic Roots

“Doomscrolling” is a compound word combining “doom” and “scrolling.” The word “doom” historically connotes fate, ruin, or unavoidable destruction. Its origins trace back to Anglo-Saxon and Old English, where it referred to judgment or decree, often associated with negative outcomes. “Scrolling” pertains to the act of moving through digital content, derived from the physical act of unrolling a scroll to read text. The term “scroll” entered the English language around 1400, originating from Old French “escroe,” meaning a roll of parchment.

Emergence of the Term

The exact origin of “doomscrolling” is somewhat nebulous, but it gained prominence in the late 2010s. The earliest known usage dates back to a 2018 tweet, marking its initial entry into public discourse. However, it wasn’t until 2020, amid global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that the term saw widespread adoption. During this period, individuals increasingly engaged in excessive consumption of distressing news, leading to the popularization of “doomscrolling” to describe this behavior.

Cultural and Technological Factors

Several factors contributed to the rise of doomscrolling:​

• Infinite Scroll Design: The implementation of infinite scrolling on social media platforms allows users to continuously access new content without interruption, facilitating prolonged periods of content consumption. ​
• Negativity Bias: Psychological studies indicate that humans are more likely to focus on negative information, making them more susceptible to engaging with distressing news. ​
• Global Crises: Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest have heightened public anxiety, leading individuals to seek constant updates, often resulting in doomscrolling. ​

Earliest Recorded Usage

While the term’s colloquial use dates back to 2018, its inclusion in authoritative linguistic resources occurred later. It was officially recognized in dictionaries in September 2023, reflecting its established presence in the English lexicon. Prior to this, the term had been noted as an emerging word, indicating its growing relevance.

Alternative Theories and Similar Terms

Before “doomscrolling” became prevalent, similar behaviors were described using different terminology:​

• Mean World Syndrome: Identified in the 1970s, this phenomenon describes the belief that the world is more dangerous than it is, resulting from prolonged exposure to violent content, primarily on television.
• Doomsurfing: A term akin to doomscrolling, doomsurfing refers to the compulsive consumption of negative news online, highlighting the broader scope of this behavior beyond just scrolling. ​

Synonyms

1. feed the fear
2. negative news binge
3. spiral into bad news
4. disaster scrolling
5. anxiety scrolling
6. bad news rabbit hole

Variants

• doomsurfing

Conclusion

The term “doomscrolling” encapsulates a behavior deeply intertwined with modern technology and media consumption patterns. Its origin reflects a convergence of linguistic evolution, technological design, and psychological predispositions. As digital platforms continue to evolve, understanding terms like doomscrolling becomes essential in addressing the impacts of media consumption on mental health.

Internet Slang