doomscrolling

American  

[doom-skroh-ling] / ˈdumˌskroʊ lɪŋ /

Or doom-scrolling

noun

Digital Technology.

1. the practice of obsessively checking online news for updates, especially on social media feeds, with the expectation that the news will be bad, such that the feeling of dread from this negative expectation fuels a compulsion to continue looking for updates in a self-perpetuating cycle.

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Etymology

Origin of doomscrolling

First recorded in 2016; doomscroll ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Doomscrolling is the act of endlessly scrolling through bad news, seemingly unable to stop yourself even when you know it’s dragging you down. Doomscrolling often leaves people overwhelmed or anxious. This behavior became more common with the rise of smartphones and social media, where bad news is always just a swipe away. Instead of looking away, doomscrolling keeps you glued to the screen, drawn into a cycle of worry. Understanding doomscrolling can help you break free from the habit and take control of your screen time.

Example Sentences

Perhaps a lesson in what happens when you try to make doomscrolling illegal?

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2026

This is precisely why we turn to art, which probes both truth and beauty: the enemies of doomscrolling.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

You’ve heard of doomscrolling on your phone to pass the time — but what about “doomjobbing” while looking for work?

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Freed from doomscrolling, she's busily cooking up new music.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

There was a time when this kind of behavior would be called doomscrolling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026