Doomed To Scroll

Doomscrolling is on the rise and as Hollywood actor and Golden Globe winner Andrew Garfield points out, it’s not just a willpower problem. It’s something we slip into almost instinctively! It’s quietly reshaping how people of all ages move through their daily lives. What do psychology experts in Hyderabad make of this trend?

“Doomscrolling becomes compulsive, especially for those who are already vulnerable. When it crosses a line, information overload kicks in, flooding you with negativity. The more negative content you engage with, the more the algorithm feeds it back to you, what we call a ‘negativity bias’,” explains Prof. G. Padmaja, Head of the Centre for Health Psychology and Deputy Dean of Student Welfare at the University of Hyderabad.

“The impact is real,” she warns. “Many people scroll out of anxiety, not realising it actually makes their anxiety worse, a classic spiral effect. It’s particularly visible among those in midlife transitions and Gen Z, who are constantly plugged into the virtual world. Boredom and loneliness are driving this habit. Years ago, family and social circles acted as a buffer. Today, that safety net has thinned, replaced by digital dependence. And in an age where everything—from answers to advice comes instantly — the pull is only getting stronger.”

Behaviour expert Pranjal Mani Tripathi says “Some people gravitate toward shows like Bigg Boss or Splitsvilla—drama-filled, conflict-heavy, but not violent—using them to fill an emotional void. For them, this kind of doom-laden content becomes a daily snack of pleasure. It raises a tough question: are we, at some level, getting enjoyment from others’ pain?”

Going deeper, he says, “From an evolutionary angle, our brains are wired to notice threats for survival. But when bad news hits close to home, curiosity keeps us scrolling, even as it feeds the stress! People may become desensitised in the long run. It can also heighten paranoia and hypervigilance, making people see everyday situations through the lens of online doom, and feel watched, threatened, or unsafe.”

Anindo Bhattacharjee, Chair of the Central Research Committee at Woxsen University, shares his take on the topic: “AI-driven platforms trap viewers in a ‘doom loop.’ One story that comes to mind is that of Gautam Buddha and the infamous criminal Angulimal, who used to kill travellers and make garlands from their fingers. When Buddha deliberately walked through his forest, the killer ordered him to stop, threatening death. Buddha calmly replied, “I stopped long ago, when will you stop?” Doomscrolling is strikingly similar: we’re caught in a self-destructive loop. Years ago, the ‘Blue Whale’ scandal showed how dangerous such cycles can be, leading vulnerable youth to harm themselves. Parents are often too preoccupied to actively monitor their kids, leaving the children endlessly glued to screens.”

Human behaviour content creator Sahil Gupta notes: “Negative content hits harder because it feels urgent and important. Posts about layoffs or workplace stress grab our attention even if our own situation is stable. Scrolling through multiple job-cut stories late at night can leave us anxious the next day for no real reason, showing how what we consume online can shape our thoughts and behaviour. This constant distraction is draining. That’s why being intentional, focusing on creating rather than consuming, is crucial, though it takes effort and self-control.”

The bottom line—doomscrolling isn’t a harmless habit, it’s a self-perpetuating cycle that fuels anxiety, dulls sensitivity to negativity and steals time and focus. As Andrew Garfield says, it’s not about ditching screens, it’s about reclaiming control.