“Doom scrolling,” the act of endlessly scrolling through social media feeds and news websites in search of negative or distressing information, has become an increasingly common behavior in today’s digital age.

The reality of brain rot

While many of us may engage in this behavior as a way to stay informed, a growing body of research suggests that doom scrolling may be doing more harm than good. And, all that doom scrolling may actually be giving you “brain rot.”

Doom scrolling comes with an array of negative consequences, but you can take some steps to protect your mental health and well-being.

Brain rot refers to the feeling of mental fog or confusion after prolonged drug use or lack of sleep, or a feeling of mental or emotional decline or decay, often associated with stress, anxiety, or depression. These conditions can affect brain function and structure, causing symptoms like cognitive impairment and reduced creativity and productivity.

Doom scrolling is a term used to describe the behavior of scrolling through and consuming large amounts of negative news or social media content, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and distressed. Doom scrolling can have negative effects on your mental health by increasing anxiety, stress, and feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. The constant stream of negative news and images can also disrupt sleep patterns and lead to emotional exhaustion.

The behavior is often driven by a combination of factors, including the brain’s reward system, which can be activated by the anticipation of getting new information, and the “negativity bias,” which causes the brain to prioritize and remember negative information more than positive information. Social media algorithms and news outlets tend to prioritize and promote negative content to generate more engagement and clicks.

To counteract this, it’s important to take breaks from doom scrolling and other forms of excessive social media use and engage in other activities that are more beneficial to the brain’s reward system, such as exercise, socializing with friends and family, or pursuing hobbies and interests that provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

The consequences of doom scrolling can be significant. This behavior can have several consequences on mental health, emotional well-being, and even physical health. Overall, doom scrolling can have significant negative consequences for our mental and physical health. Keeping a healthy balance of news and social media consumption, and setting boundaries around social media platforms, helps to reduce the negative effects of doom scrolling.

To prevent brain rot caused by doom scrolling, you need to be intentional about your media consumption habits and prioritize your mental well-being. Set limits on the amount of time you spend on social media and news websites, diversify your media sources, and avoid consuming content before bedtime. Turn off notifications for news and social media apps and engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies. These actions can serve as a healthy distraction from doom scrolling and contribute to a more balanced and positive lifestyle.