In today's turbulent world, it's all too easy to get lost in endless doomscrolling through negative news, leaving you more stressed than before. Break the cycle by curating your digital feed for positivity—what experts call 'gleefreshing' (also known as joyscrolling or hopescrolling).
It starts innocently: your alarm buzzes, you peek at the news, and suddenly 30 minutes and countless crises later, you're hooked. Doomscrolling is that compulsive habit of mindlessly swiping through mostly bad news, even as it heightens your anxiety.
The science behind doomscrolling
While the term 'doomscrolling' is relatively new, decades of research highlight how excessive negative news harms mental health. Studies on events like the 9/11 attacks showed that heavy TV news consumption correlated with post-traumatic stress symptoms years later. For instance, American researchers surveyed individuals' health and media habits post-9/11, finding those glued to coverage experienced lasting effects.
Why it's harder to escape now
British psychologist Graham C.L. Davey notes in Psychology Today that news has grown more visual, intense, and emotional thanks to user-generated content. With push notifications keeping it at your fingertips and social platforms engineered for addiction, the pull is relentless—especially amid overlapping crises.
The role of uncertainty intolerance
Psychologists point to 'intolerance of uncertainty' as a key driver. In unstable times, we crave information to regain control, even if it fuels stress. Our prehistoric brains are wired to scan for threats, making endless scrolling feel rewarding short-term. Yet, information overload triggers stress hormones, leading to insomnia, anxiety, panic, or depression.
There's a better way: gleefreshing
Recognizing this pattern is the first step. Swap doom for glee by intentionally seeking uplifting content that nurtures your well-being.
By Emma Verweij
