Spending excessive time on digital devices, whether reading negative news or watching entertaining videos, can be detrimental to health. Doomscrolling, the act of consuming large amounts of negative information online, has been linked to adverse mental and physical effects. Dr. Laurel Williams from Baylor College of Medicine highlights these concerns.
“If you’re only looking at certain news sources and it’s confirming all of your worst fears, then you will most likely feel pretty crummy,” said Dr. Williams. She notes that this behavior often leads to feelings of helplessness as many fears are beyond one's control.
The habit can also disrupt eating, sleeping, and relationships by overwhelming individuals with negativity. Dr. Williams advises that if doomscrolling occupies significant time or prevents engagement in other activities, it might be a problem.
“Algorithms on the internet are designed to catch your attention and keep you doing that activity longer than you would’ve done otherwise," she explained. Awareness of this design is crucial for users.
For children with smart devices, limiting usage is recommended. Parents should monitor their children's device habits and discuss online content with them.
Research indicates humans struggle with multitasking, which is exacerbated by attention-grabbing platforms offering instant gratification. This makes focusing on tasks difficult as devices encourage constant stimulation.
Dr. Williams suggests evaluating personal values against technology use: “In some communities, the internet is more of a vital source of support than others."
Ultimately, internet engagement varies individually; setting device limits may help those struggling to self-regulate. Reflecting on how device use affects well-being and aligns with personal values is essential according to Dr. Williams: “After spending time on your device, check in with yourself: Do I feel better or zapped of energy?”
