faq - What is doomscrolling?
1. What is doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling is when someone spends excessive amounts of time online continuously scrolling through social media, news, or videos—often without a clear purpose and sometimes focusing on negative content.
2. Why do people doomscroll?
People may doomscroll because:
3. Is doomscrolling harmful?
While occasional scrolling is normal, excessive doomscrolling can:
4. What are the signs of doomscrolling?
You may be experiencing doomscrolling if you:
5. How can someone reduce doomscrolling?
Some practical strategies include:
6. What can parents and carers do to help?
Parents and carers can:
7. What should professionals working with children do?
Professionals can:
8. Is all scrolling bad?
No. Occasional scrolling is part of everyday life. The key is balance—being aware of how much time is spent online and how it affects wellbeing. [swgfl.org.uk]
To summarise:
Doomscrolling is increasingly common in a world of constant online content. By recognising the signs and building healthy digital habits, individuals and families can develop a more positive relationship with technology.
Doomscrolling is when someone spends excessive amounts of time online continuously scrolling through social media, news, or videos—often without a clear purpose and sometimes focusing on negative content.
2. Why do people doomscroll?
People may doomscroll because:
- Content online is endless and easily accessible
- Apps are designed to keep users engaged (e.g. autoplay, algorithms)
- It provides short bursts of pleasure (dopamine)
- Fear of missing out (FOMO) or wanting to stay informed
- Boredom or habit
3. Is doomscrolling harmful?
While occasional scrolling is normal, excessive doomscrolling can:
- Lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, or low mood
- Create a sense of dissatisfaction or numbness
- Distort perceptions of reality, especially when consuming negative content
- Affect sleep, focus, and overall wellbeing
4. What are the signs of doomscrolling?
You may be experiencing doomscrolling if you:
- Lose track of time while on your device
- Scroll late at night or sacrifice sleep
- Feel worse after using your phone (e.g. anxious, irritable, low)
- Frequently consume distressing or negative content
5. How can someone reduce doomscrolling?
Some practical strategies include:
- Setting screen time limits
- Turning off autoplay or notifications
- Unfollowing negative or distressing content
- Taking regular breaks from screens
- Replacing scrolling with other activities (e.g. reading, walking, talking to others)
- Being mindful of why you’re picking up your phone
6. What can parents and carers do to help?
Parents and carers can:
- Talk openly about online experiences and feelings
- Encourage balanced screen use
- Set realistic boundaries around device use
- Model healthy habits themselves
- Support children in reflecting on how online content affects them
7. What should professionals working with children do?
Professionals can:
- Create safe spaces for discussions about social media
- Recognise signs of anxiety or distraction linked to online use
- Promote digital literacy (e.g. understanding algorithms and misinformation)
- Encourage healthy routines (sleep, offline time, breaks)
- Signpost support services where needed
8. Is all scrolling bad?
No. Occasional scrolling is part of everyday life. The key is balance—being aware of how much time is spent online and how it affects wellbeing. [swgfl.org.uk]
To summarise:
Doomscrolling is increasingly common in a world of constant online content. By recognising the signs and building healthy digital habits, individuals and families can develop a more positive relationship with technology.
