Why in news?
With the spread of smartphones and social media, many people habitually scroll through streams of distressing news late into the night. In 2025 mental health experts warned that excessive consumption of negative information, often referred to as “doomscrolling,” was taking a toll on well‑being, especially among young urbanites.
What is doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling refers to compulsively scrolling through bad news or social media feeds even when it causes anxiety or sadness. Humans have a natural negativity bias—we pay more attention to threatening information. Fear of missing out (FOMO) makes people worry that they might overlook important updates. Together these tendencies lead to long sessions of reading about disasters, conflicts and tragedies.
Effects on the brain and body
- Stress hormones: Constant exposure to negative news triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline. Over time this strains the heart and weakens the immune system.
- Neurological changes: Studies show that over‑stimulation of the amygdala (the brain’s fear centre) can shrink grey matter in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision‑making.
- Sleep and mood disturbances: Late‑night scrolling disrupts sleep cycles, leading to fatigue, irritability and depression.
- Productivity loss: Difficulty concentrating and increased pessimism affect study and work performance.
Tips to break the cycle
- Set specific times to check news, avoiding endless scrolling before bed.
- Use apps or phone settings to limit screen time and turn off non‑essential notifications.
- Practise mindfulness, yoga or meditation to reduce anxiety and gain perspective.
- Balance news consumption with positive content like hobbies, books or light entertainment.
- Stay connected with friends and family to discuss concerns and share coping strategies.