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Scientists reveal intriguing effect of doomscrolling on your brain

Scientists at University College London (UCL) found those with poor mental health are more likely to seek out and read negative content online, and as a result, feel worse because of it.

Source: Cubes | 

04.12.2024, 16:26

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Cubes

We all know spending hours doomscrolling on social media can put you in a bad mood.

But scientists have now discovered why — arguing it 'traps' you in a cycle of poor mental health.

Doomscrolling refers to the digital habit of seeking out negative information, even though it triggers negative emotions. 

Scientists at University College London (UCL) found those with poor mental health are not only more likely to seek out and read negative content online, it also makes them feel more depressed. 

The research, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, involved more than 1,000 people who first underwent psychological tests to check their state of mental health.

Next, they were tasked with browsing the internet for 30 minutes before taking another mental health test and revealing their search history to the researchers. 

The findings showed that those with the poorest mental health scores sought out the greatest number of websites with negative themes.

A follow up experiment then aimed to establish whether the trend was cause and effect — in other words, if the websites were to blame for participants' increased consumption of depressing material, or their mental state.

Scientists at University College London (UCL) found those with poor mental health are more likely to seek out and read negative content online, and as a result, feel worse because of it

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