Understanding the Psychological Impact of Doomscrolling During Crises

The recent missile strikes following US-Israel attacks inside Iran have led to a surge of retaliatory actions across Gulf states, which in turn has intensified the phenomenon of doomscrolling. This term refers to the compulsive consumption of negative news, often exacerbated by the constant flow of updates and alerts on social media platforms. As users attempt to stay informed, they find themselves caught in a cycle of refreshing feeds for real-time updates, which can lead to increased anxiety and stress.

Experts like Alexander TR Sharpe and Reza Shabahang explain that doomscrolling is driven by the human brain's natural inclination to prioritize threats, a trait shaped by evolutionary pressures. This makes negative news particularly memorable and hard to ignore, as the brain is wired to retain information related to danger and emergencies. A study by Sharpe in 2026 linked doomscrolling to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression, highlighting its potential mental health impacts.

Shabahang notes that repeated exposure to traumatic news can lead to stress responses similar to those experienced by direct trauma victims. This indirect trauma exposure can keep the nervous system in a heightened state of alert, making it difficult for individuals to achieve a sense of calm. The compulsive nature of doomscrolling is further reinforced by the design of social media platforms, which use unpredictability and emotional conditioning to keep users engaged.

Assim Kalouaz, a digital media psychologist, points out that content triggering fear, anger, or sadness is often promoted because it drives engagement. This creates a feedback loop where uncertainty leads to more scrolling, which increases exposure to emotionally charged content, further fueling the urge to check updates. A 2024 study by Shabahang found that doomscrolling is associated with existential anxiety and, in some cases, more cynical attitudes towards the world.

To mitigate the effects of doomscrolling, experts suggest structural changes rather than relying solely on willpower. Strategies such as limiting news intake to specific times, turning off nonessential notifications, and avoiding infinite scroll formats can help reduce continuous threat activation. Sleep disruption is a common consequence of excessive doomscrolling, leading to cognitive fog and irritability.

The challenge lies in staying informed without succumbing to chronic stress. While human threat-detection systems evolved to respond to immediate dangers, the constant barrage of global crises delivered through digital platforms poses a unique psychological challenge. Balancing the need to stay informed with maintaining mental health is crucial in the digital age.