Smartphone in hand, neck tilted and thumb moving up and down, frantically sometimes stopping just long enough to press a button. Like (or « I like »)…
The daily life of certain people now appears to be invaded by this scrolling incessant which scrolls quantity of information, videos and other photos before our eyes. Without really realizing the time that passes, automatically and unconsciously.
Thus, according to a study published in 2022 in the journal Health Communication, and relayed by The Guardian16.5% of the 1100 people surveyed show signs of information consumption “seriously problematic”.
Among them, 74% reported having mental health problems, 61% reported physical problems.
Exacerbated negative emotions
The consequences of this phenomenon on mental and emotional health are beginning to be well documented, as Professor Craig N. Sawchuk, professor of psychology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (United States), confirms.
« Doomscrolling affects mental and emotional health by initiating and amplifying negative emotional states such as depression, anxiety, anger, disgust, etc. ».
The explanation: “ The brain automatically tends to pay attention to threat and novelty. Which is exactly what social networks offer… ».
In his eyes, the first steps often appear paved with good intentions: “ we simply want to keep up to date with news, entertainment, influences etc., according to our own interests ».
The relationship with time…
This content, powered by social media algorithms, aims to maintain our brain “ awake for a prolonged period ».
Craig N. Sawchuk, adds: the longer we are exposed to this negative content, the more our mood can decline. We can thus feel emotionally depressed, anxious, irritated, tense, worried ».
Not to mention that this time spent harms the practice of other activities which he describes as more ” healthy » for our body and our mental health: such as chatting with loved ones, participating in a game, walking outdoors or simply sleeping.
How to get out?
The psychologist insists: “ It’s important to be aware of how it all works. ”, to better prevent harmful effects.
So, before launching on social networks, he recommends “ carry out a brief assessment of your current mood: 0 = negative, 5 = neutral, 10 = positive “. Then to repeat this inventory after 15 minutes of doomscrolling – by setting a timer…
Do you notice after a certain time that your mood declines? “ Change the content by switching to something lighter or… close the application and switch to a positive activity: call a friend, go out… », recommends Professor Sawchuk.
Ask yourself…
And to know how your state of mind is evolving, it’s very simple, according to him: “ ask yourself if you feel better or worse after spending time scrolling ».
And furthermore, “ sometimes take a little height to see if you have recently stopped or slowed down activities, such as practicing physical activity for example ».
If necessary, also ask those close to you what they think. And to conclude: “ the goal is to give ourselves some space to be able to make changes that can improve our mood and functioning ».
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