Jan 31, 2025 08:00:00

How can we distinguish between 'doomscrolling', which worsens mental health, and useful information gathering?

Endlessly chasing stressful news on social media and other platforms is called '

doom scrolling ' and is said to be bad for mental health. However, being interested in events and social issues happening in the world and actively gathering information is meaningful, and even essential in an information society. Experts explain how to draw the line between unhealthy news overconsumption and healthy news consumption.

When news is stressful, how do you balance staying informed with 'doomscrolling'?
https://theconversation.com/when-news-is-stressful-how-do-you-balance-staying-informed-with-doomscrolling-248017

According to Lisa Harrison, a professor of digital communications at Flinders University in Australia, setting clear boundaries around news consumption can help you stay updated without being overwhelmed by the news.

People often scroll through their news feeds not because the information is actionable, but because they want to feel a sense of control in a society filled with uncertainty. However, simply following negative news can lead to disrupted sleep and increased anxiety.

So one of the things that separates negative information gathering from positive information gathering is whether you're trying to get actionable information. According to Harrison, one way to strike the right balance is to ask yourself, 'Will this information change something I can do?'

Harrison says that the key to independent media consumption is to determine your news sources, and instead of watching what social media wants to show you, it's a good idea to decide for yourself on a few trusted sources of information.

Additionally, you should pay attention to your mood while watching the news; if you notice any negative signs like anxiety or emotional distress, that's a sign it's time to take a break.

To put these habits into practice, it is effective to set a clear boundary for news exposure early in the day, specifically during your morning coffee break or lunch break. It is also useful to introduce a 'digital sunset,' a time when you stop using news apps and social media, and ideally, stop taking in new information one to two hours before going to bed, giving your brain time to process the information you've acquired that day without cutting into your sleep, says Harrison.

A useful way to stop watching the news at a set time is to use a smartphone usage management feature such as Screen Time on iPhone or Digital Wellbeing on Android smartphones.

Additionally, to become an active news consumer, it is effective to develop habits such as 'focusing on one or two in-depth articles and reading them thoroughly' instead of endless scrolling through apps, 'discussing the news with colleagues, friends, and family to process your feelings,' 'looking for news articles that focus on positive change and solutions,' and 'taking meaningful action on issues that you care about.'

Harrison said previous research has shown that people who set healthy boundaries around news consumption tend to be better able to engage with important issues in meaningful ways and take constructive action when needed.

'Taking a break from the news isn't ignoring reality, it's an exercise in self-care,' said Harrison. 'With thoughtful boundaries and the right support tools, you can continue to engage with the world while staying mentally healthy.'