Doomscrolling Urban Dictionary: What You Need to Know

Doomscrolling is a relatively new term that's been added to the Urban Dictionary. It refers to the act of continuously scrolling through bad news on your phone, even though it's causing you distress.

Research suggests that doomscrolling can be a coping mechanism for people who are anxious or stressed. It's a way to avoid dealing with the discomfort of uncertainty.

The term "doomscrolling" was first used in 2018, and it's since become a common phenomenon. According to the Urban Dictionary, it's "the act of scrolling through bad news on your phone, even though it's causing you distress."

It's easy to get sucked into the vortex of doomscrolling, especially with social media algorithms designed to keep you engaged.

A unique perspective: Doomscrolling App

Doomscrolling is a relatively new term that was coined in 2020 on an anonymous social media post.

It describes the act of spending an excessive amount of time reading large quantities of news or other content online, particularly negative news on social media.

The term gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when people had a large-scale necessity to access new and updated information.

Doomscrolling is not just about reading news, but also includes consuming other content online such as videos and audio content about current affairs.

People may start doomscrolling to remain aware of current events, but over time, they may have difficulty stepping away from websites and apps that facilitate doomscrolling.

A 2023 study found that people who are already experiencing anxiety about the future may be more likely to engage in doomscrolling.

The current news media's overemphasis on negative events can also contribute to doomscrolling-inspired existential concerns.

Doomscrolling can be about a broad range of topics or a specific issue, such as climate change.

A 2025 study found a significant positive correlation between general doomscrolling and climate change-specific doomscrolling.

Females and people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety are more likely to engage in doomscrolling behavior.

Consider reading: Apps to Replace Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling is a habit that can be hard to break, but understanding its causes can help. Many people become trapped in a spiral of bad news, reading about distressing topics like war, crime, and climate change.

The constant availability of information can make us feel like we need to stay informed, but it can also lead to uncertainty and fear. People often turn to the web for answers, even when there are none, or when the answers are speculative and fear-inducing.

Reading about the state of the world can be overwhelming, especially when global news is readily available. A survey found that people rated the state of the U.S. a 3.4 out of 10, with 92% feeling distrustful of the federal government.

The constant barrage of bad news can make us feel like the world is more dangerous and frightening than it really is. This can lead to anxiety and a desire to turn back to the same doomscrolling habits again and again.

The "Gloomcycle" experience, coined by the site Up and Up, is a perfect example of how doomscrolling can become a vicious cycle. People feel overwhelmed by constant bad news and fear of uncertainty, and then they turn to the web for answers, perpetuating the cycle.

Doomscrolling can be a hard habit to break, but there are some simple steps you can take to prevent it.

Don't read the comments, as they can often be a source of annoyance, anger, or upset.

Limiting social media use can also help, especially if you find yourself constantly checking your feeds. Consider setting short alarms to remind you to put your phone or tablet away, or use built-in features like Android or iOS's app usage limits.

Practicing mindfulness can also be a game-changer. Take a moment to ask yourself if there's something else you could be doing, and note how scrolling makes you feel and how you engage with posts.

Here are some digital wellness techniques to help prevent doomscrolling:

To prevent doomscrolling, it's essential to develop healthy habits and strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. One way to do this is by limiting social media use, which can be achieved by setting short alarms to remind you to put your phone or tablet away.

Android and iOS offer features to limit individual app usage, so take advantage of these tools to control your screen time. I've found that setting a 10-minute alarm works well for me, giving me a gentle reminder to take a break.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial in understanding your doomscrolling habits and developing healthy ways to manage symptoms. A qualified therapist can help you identify patterns and develop coping mechanisms.

Disengaging from news and media outlets that cause feelings of doom is crucial in breaking the cycle of outrage, fear, and anxiety. This can be done by limiting your exposure to stressful triggers.

Putting down your phone and computer at least two hours before bedtime is also crucial in preventing doomscrolling. Staying up late scrolling through negative news items can be detrimental to your mental health.

To make the most of your social media experience, seek out feel-good and solutions-focused news stories. This can help you interact with positive content and see more positive items in your feed.

Here are some digital wellness techniques to help prevent doomscrolling:

Prevention is key, and knowing how to prevent breakdowns can save you a lot of stress and money.

Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent breakdowns, as it ensures that your vehicle's systems are functioning properly.

According to the article, neglecting simple tasks like oil changes can lead to costly repairs down the road.

A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to experience breakdowns, and this can be achieved by following a regular maintenance schedule.

The article highlights the importance of checking tire pressure and oil levels regularly, as these are common causes of breakdowns.

A well-maintained vehicle can also improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

By staying on top of maintenance tasks, you can prevent breakdowns and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Urban Dictionary is a crowdsourced online dictionary that allows users to submit and vote on definitions for slang terms and phrases.

The site was founded in 1999 by Aaron Peckham and has since become a go-to resource for understanding internet slang and colloquialisms.

According to the site's own statistics, over 100,000 new definitions are added every month.

Urban Dictionary has been credited with popularizing many internet memes and catchphrases, including "Yaaas" and "Savage."

You might like: Internet Troll Urban Dictionary