It starts innocently enough. You open your phone to check a message, maybe scroll through TikTok or the news while waiting for your coffee to brew. Next thing you know, 45 minutes have passed and you’re deep into videos about climate disaster, global conflict, political chaos, or some stranger’s heartbreak — all while your coffee’s gone cold.

Welcome to the world of doomscrolling.

What Is Doomscrolling?

Doomscrolling is the act of endlessly consuming negative news or content online, especially via social media. Whether it’s updates on war, economic collapse, political scandals, celebrity break-ups or climate panic — the stream is infinite, and often feels inescapable.

It’s a fairly new term, but the behaviour is ancient: humans are wired to look for threats. In a modern, digital world, that primal instinct gets hijacked by infinite scroll feeds and clickbait headlines — feeding our anxiety while keeping us hooked.

Why Can’t We Look Away?

There’s a certain psychological trap at play. Negative information captures more of our attention than neutral or positive stories. It feels urgent, like something we need to know. Add algorithms to the mix — which prioritise content that provokes strong emotional reactions — and suddenly you’re trapped in a digital echo chamber of despair.

Apps like Twitter (now X), TikTok and Instagram are designed to hold your attention. Doomscrolling doesn’t happen because you’re weak-willed — it happens because it’s literally engineered that way.

Mental Health Fallout

The impact isn’t just digital; it’s deeply emotional and psychological. Studies have linked excessive doomscrolling to:

  • Increased anxiety and depression
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Feelings of helplessness and burnout
  • Decreased focus and productivity

It can also desensitise you — numbing your reaction to genuinely important news because you’re overloaded by a constant stream of disaster.

The Post-TikTok Era: Worse or Better?

With TikTok’s looming ban in places like the US, users are already jumping ship to alternatives like Red Note and Reels. But if these platforms operate on the same engagement-driven model, are we just jumping from one doomscrolling feed to another?

The real question isn’t what platform we’re using — it’s how we’re using them.

Reclaiming Control

Here’s the thing: information isn’t the enemy. We should stay informed. But not at the cost of our mental health or inner peace.

Here’s how you can break the doomscrolling cycle:

  • Set time limits: Use app timers to restrict your usage.
  • Curate your feed: Unfollow accounts that drain you, and follow ones that uplift or educate with nuance.
  • Seek long-form journalism: Get depth, not just hot takes.
  • Stay grounded: Go outside. Touch grass. Talk to people offline.
  • Do something: If the news overwhelms you, turn it into action — donate, volunteer, or vote.

Why It Matters for Creatives

At Flaminky, we believe creativity thrives in clarity. Doomscrolling clouds the mind and kills the spark. In a world that’s constantly screaming for your attention, protecting your mental space is a radical — and necessary — act.

So next time you find yourself 100 videos deep, just ask: is this making me feel anything, or just making me numb?

It’s not about quitting the internet — it’s about using it on your terms.

Your feed doesn’t have to be a trap. It can be a tool. Choose wisely.