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

And while this dressing-down of beloved works might seem like another bummer in a world of doomscrolling, @heartthrobanderson is anything but.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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

Whether it’s doomscrolling through endless social-media feeds or turning to AI to complete tasks in seconds that once took hours, efficiency has become our default expectation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

It also wants a two-hour "doomscrolling cap" limiting how long under-18s can access TikTok-style video clips.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2025