Doomscroll, Panic, Repeat

WHY YOU'RE GLUED TO BAD NEWS - AND CAN'T LOOK AWAY

- BY RIHAAB MOWLANA

You know that person who posts every breaking news update before the journalists even have time to verify it? Who shares three different links about a new virus, followed by an anxious message saying, "Please don't go out today"? Who floods the WhatsApp group with updates about crime, germs, and climate disasters, and then gets mad when no one reacts with the appropriate level of panic?

We've all seen this person. Some of us are this person.

Welcome to the age of doomscrolling. Where the headlines never stop, the algorithm rewards anxiety, and the line between staying informed and spiralling out is so blurry, you don't even know you've crossed it.

WHAT IS DOOMSCROLLING, REALLY?

Doomscrolling is the compulsive habit of scrolling through negative news, even when it makes you feel worse. It spikes during crises - pandemics, elections, economic collapses - but for some, it never really stops.

It's not just about being informed. It's about needing to know more, now, because your nervous system has been tricked into thinking constant vigilance equals control.

Studies show that doomscrolling increases cortisol levels, disrupts sleep, and can lead to chronic anxiety. But beyond that, it also impacts the people around you. Your fear gets forwarded. Your panic goes viral.

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU'RE THAT PERSON

Mute and curate. Unfollow accounts that profit off fear. Set time limits for news apps. Turn off notifications.

Sense-check before sharing. Ask: Is this verified? Is it helpful? Am I sharing this to inform, or to offload my panic?