What is doomscrolling, and why does it matter?
Doomscrolling isn’t just a personal habit; it’s shaped by culture, trust, and media access. The word ‘Doomscrolling’, which was an aftereffect of the COVID-19 pandemic, is defined as the act of endlessly scrolling through negative news on social media or news apps. It rapidly became a global phenomenon, but not everyone participated in doomscrolling to the same extent. Although compulsive news consumption increased in the US and India, it was comparatively lower in Japan and Denmark. What gives, then?
Turns out, our relationship with negative content online isn’t just personal; instead, it’s deeply cultural. Doomscrolling might not be the healthiest habit, but at its core, our brain is trying to make sense of things when we’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. Since it's how we've evolved to stay safe, our brains are designed to focus on negative information more than positive. It follows that negative news tends to catch our attention more than positive news. It's okay to worry occasionally because it keeps us alert and focused. However, scrolling through distressing headlines all the time can subtly increase anxiety, disrupt sleep, and gradually erode mental health. Even though it's a difficult cycle to escape, just realizing it is a significant first step.
Individualism vs. collectivism: The social context of news consumption
One study found a strong association between doomscrolling and traits like neuroticism and intolerance of uncertainty. However, personality traits alone do not explain why some countries or communities engage in doomscrolling more than others.
To get a complete picture, we need to dip into cultural psychology, specifically Geert Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions. Two of those dimensions help explain a lot:
First, in individualistic cultures like the U.S., U.K., or Australia, people are usually encouraged to think for themselves and find their own information. Being independent can be beneficial, but it also means that you've to frequently rely on yourself to stay informed. To feel in control of what's going on around you can easily become an endless cycle of checking the news.
Conversely, more collectivist cultures like Japan or South Korea give utmost importance to the community. People frequently turn to their social networks for direction and assistance, which creates a sense of shared accountability and helps to make the world seem a little less daunting. People often talk about news with their families or close-knit groups, which helps share the emotional load. So instead of everyone doomscrolling alone, the information gets filtered through conversation and that can make a huge difference.
Uncertainty avoidance: How comfort with ambiguity shapes behavior
Next, there’s Uncertainty Avoidance. In countries like Greece, Russia, and France, where people are generally less comfortable with ambiguity, overconsuming news is a common response, hoping this will give them some sense of control. It’s as if constantly checking the feed helps us feel more grounded in a world that keeps shifting. Ironically, this often leads to more stress, rather than the stability we’re hoping for. But in places where uncertainty is more accepted, like Singapore or Sweden, the urge to refresh the feed so frequently isn't as strong. People in these societies tend to be more relaxed about not knowing everything, which helps reduce that anxiety-driven need to stay constantly informed.
Media trust and its impact on doomscrolling
Our trust in the media can shape how much we doomscroll. A 2023 Reuters Institute study found that this trust level varies wildly from country to country. In places like Finland and Portugal, where people tend to trust the news, people usually consume it in moderation and are less likely to feel overwhelmed. But in places like the US and Brazil, where the media tends to be polarised, people report feeling more stressed and drawn to keep scrolling through the negativity.
The kind of media we rely on makes a big difference, too. In places where print journalism or public service broadcasting has deep roots, people usually consume news in a more structured and balanced way. However, in nations like Nigeria and the Philippines, where most people get news from social media, the feed frequently seems like an endless stream of dramatic, uncensored posts. It's easy to see how doomscrolling becomes almost instinctive under such a continual overload, as if we unconsciously fall into it.
Doomscrolling is influenced by access as much as culture and trust. According to a 2021 Pew study, many people in low- and middle-income nations primarily use their phones to access the internet and look for news on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. The issue is that these platforms' algorithms, which frequently magnify negativity, can produce an echo chamber of fear and anxiety. They tend to increase stress and anxiety, which makes it more difficult to remain grounded, rather than assisting us in maintaining a balanced level of knowledge.
Compared to rural areas with less exposure to technology, urban areas experience more doom-scrolling due to faster internet and 24/7 access. Doomscrolling could be considered a consequence of constantly being connected.
Can any culture be immune to doomscrolling?
Are some cultures, then, essentially impervious to doomscrolling? Not exactly. However, cultural norms do provide some level of protection. Scandinavian nations, renowned for their low levels of sensationalism and high levels of social trust, are a good example of this. Not surprisingly, news fatigue is less common there. Similarly, in places where offline community life still thrives, people might not feel the same need to use the internet to process their emotions.
But no culture is completely immune. Researchers found that chronic exposure to pandemic-related news increased anxiety, particularly among younger individuals, even in Japan, a nation that places a strong emphasis on stoicism and self-control.
Conclusion: Why culture changes how we doomscroll
Perhaps we should zoom out and look at the wider picture rather than criticize specific people for their doomscrolling tendencies. These actions are not only personal; they are also impacted by the news we are exposed to and how our society handles ambiguity. A wide range of factors contribute to doomscrolling; some are within our control, while others require management.
Understanding these cultural differences is not only beneficial, but also essential as our world becomes more and more online. It's how we begin to build better connections with the media and perhaps even with our anxiety.
Ria Damani
