Doomscrolling is the act of consuming information in large quantities, regardless of whether the news consumption is negative or positive. After the pandemic, the world has sought to get first-hand information and stay as up-to-date as possible. One of the symptoms is sleep deprivation or inability to sleep due to staying awake consuming stories, information, news, etc.
This usually happens on platforms that don't measure information and offer scrolling, such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. that never reach the end of their main screens. The effect it has on people has been reflected in mood swings, lack of sleep, negativity, irritability, among others.
What worries psychologists and neurologists is that there is no cure or effective solution to stop doomscrolling. A study conducted in the United Kingdom, specifically at the University of Essex, provided results regarding users' moods regarding the platforms and determined that just two minutes of doomscrolling on social media negatively affects mood.
The solutions proposed to curb this type of toxic virtuality are to create a routine of good habits that are somewhat aligned with our rhythm. It is also important to resume social contact and try to leave the internet aside. And above all, be aware of your time online and set limits.
Another important tip is to select the information you consume, whether negative or positive. Finally, disconnecting with a walk, exercising, or going to the park are self-compensatory attitudes that help us forget about virtuality and the dreaded doomscrolling.