A world-first study from Flinders University has revealed that doomscrolling—habitual checking of disturbing social media stories—negatively affects our perception of humanity and life’s meaning.

Doomscrolling involves spending excessive time scrolling through traumatic news such as shootings, terrorism, and conspiracies, often to the point of addiction. The study shows that this behaviour makes people more suspicious and distrustful of others and leads them to feel that life lacks meaning.

“Doomscrolling can have some dire consequences on our mental health and wellbeing leaving us feeling stress, anxiety, despair and questioning the meaning of life,”

says lead author Mr Reza Shabahang from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work. He explains that negative news on social media acts as a source of vicarious trauma, causing symptoms similar to PTSD, such as anxiety and despair.

The researchers surveyed 800 university students from Iran and the United States to understand the impact of excessive negative news consumption on social media. Participants reported how often they engaged in doomscrolling, their existential anxiety, their belief in the world’s fairness, and their feelings about humanity.

“We wanted to see if there were any connections between doomscrolling and subsequent thoughts and feelings about humankind and the importance of life,”

says Mr. Shabahang.

The study found that doomscrolling is associated with existential anxiety and misanthropy. “When we’re constantly exposed to negative news and information online, it can threaten our beliefs when it comes to our own mortality and the control we have over our own lives. Moreover, doomscrolling can negatively affect how we view the people and world around us,” he says.

Mr Shabahang advises being mindful of online habits and taking breaks from social media.

“We suggest that people pay attention to how much time they are spending on social media and to be aware of the impact it is having on their emotions, thoughts and feelings, especially when it comes to negative news and events,”

he says. He recommends tracking time spent on doomscrolling and reducing it if problematic. “By becoming more aware of our online habits, such as doomscrolling, and taking small steps to address them, it could help with improving our overall mental wellbeing,” he adds.

Learn more about social media and its effects on your mental health here.