Doomscrolling: Breaking the Cycle
Dr. David Franklin, Manager of Partner Programming
In today’s digital world, people of all ages find themselves endlessly scrolling through negative news and distressing content. This habit, known as doomscrolling, keeps users engaged with an ongoing stream of alarming headlines and emotionally charged updates. But why are teenagers particularly vulnerable to this behavior, and what can be done to help them break free?
To better understand the impact of doomscrolling on teens, let’s take a closer look at what it is, why it happens, and how it affects their well-being.
What Is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling is the act of consuming an ongoing flow of negative news, social media posts, and emotionally intense content. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to distressing material can overwhelm the mind, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness.
Why Do Teenagers Doomscroll?
Teenagers are especially at risk. With social media being a central part of their lives, teens are encouraged to stay up-to-date on trending topics. Social media algorithms prioritize emotionally charged content, meaning the most sensational or negative stories end up on top of their feeds.
The pressure to stay connected, coupled with easy access via smartphones, makes it easy for teens to fall into hours of scrolling. Because adolescents are more impressionable, repeated exposure to negative content can deeply affect their emotional well-being.
The Negative Effects of Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling doesn’t just distract—it has real mental and emotional consequences:
Ways to Break the Cycle
While it may seem difficult to break the doomscrolling habit, there are ways to reduce the impact of excessive screen time—and that’s where creating phone-free spaces, like the ones fostered by Yondr, can make a significant difference. Here’s how:
Set Screen Time Limits: Implementing the Yondr Phone-Free Program in schools can help set natural boundaries for screen time. Yondr’s phone-free environment ensures students are not distracted by their devices during class, allowing them to focus more on learning and less on the negativity scrolling can bring.
Shift Social Norms Around Phones: Removing the expectation to always be online allows students to build stronger, face-to-face connections. Phone-free learning environments foster a more positive and focused mindset for students.
Encourage Digital Breaks: Encouraging regular breaks from screens can help teens reset and recharge. By using Yondr’s phone-free model, schools are helping students take these breaks, giving them time to engage in face-to-face interactions, mindfulness practices, and other activities that promote well-being.
Promote Mindfulness and Hobbies: With fewer digital distractions, students can dive deeper into hobbies and creative outlets that help them cope with stress. Whether it’s a quiet moment to reflect or connecting with friends, breaking free from constant screen time allows teens to focus on what really matters.
The Bottom Line
Doomscrolling is a challenging habit to overcome, but creating phone-free spaces, both at home and in school, can make a big difference. Limiting screen time, encouraging positive offline engagement, and promoting healthier digital habits can help teens regain control and support their mental well-being.
At Yondr, we’re committed to creating environments where students can focus on what truly matters—learning, connecting, and being present. By supporting phone-free schools, we’re helping to break the cycle of doomscrolling and promoting a more focused, balanced, and engaged educational experience.
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