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

Rather than doomscrolling your way around this economic pothole, spare a thought for the good people of California who face gas prices of $5 or $6 a gallon, traditionally the highest in the country.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The government had already said it would launch the public consultation in March, seeking opinions about restricting children's access to AI chatbots and limiting infinite scrolling features for children – also known as doomscrolling.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

If you’re under 50, no one you know posts on Facebook anymore; Instagram is for posting photo dumps and curating an aesthetic for your co-workers; and TikTok is for doomscrolling.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2025

Drop the doomscrolling for a day, make the time to read them all and become a better Southern Californian in the process.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

Its short-form content and hyper-personalized algorithm keep me doomscrolling, often long past when I should have stopped.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025