Strong links between ‘doomscrolling’ and 'anxiety'

Are we really alone, or is that the illusion?

We are always surrounded by our environment, society, our own mysterious world that comprises of particle nature, listening to our thoughts and words. We are bound to be connected but we choose to be lonely. The toughest task is to stay alone, but if once an individual has learned to be an alone, he/she relishes that the most and then an individual doesn't need anyone. But reaching out to such higher spiritual consciousness limit, is not everyone's cup of tea. Therefore, isolation leads to depression, stress, anxiety and ultimately suicidal attempts or drug addictions. Unfortunately, our youth is plying on the road of isolation and they have stopped sharing and caring which is extremely wanton for their growth. Mobile phones with internet is new friend in the town and spending lots of time with this new friend is termed as DOOMSCROLLING. 

A study recently published in the journal Technology, Mind and Behavior found that doomscrolling was strongly associated with anxiety, poor self-control and the fear of missing out — called FOMO. Additionally, the study found that males and younger generations were more likely to doomscroll than women and older people.

Especially for those who are affected by depression and anxiety, doomscrolling can become an echo chamber of negative news. Excessive media consumption increases these feelings. More exposed to screen, makes people feel compelled to stay informed in order to regain some sense of control over the situation and appease anxieties. Additionally, spending increased amounts of time on your phone can increase feelings of depression, isolation and anxiety.

Doomscrolling – The New Drug of the 21st Century

Here are several signs that an individual is in the trap of doomscrolling:

• Swiping the phone with feeds without considering the time and keep on wasting time
• Primary attention is on distressing, harmful, or alarming news, often disregarding positive or neutral stories.
• Excessive usage and finds difficult to stay aloof from screen scrolling and social media, even when it’s affecting your mood or productivity.
• If an individual frequently feel anxious, overwhelmed, or upset after being online.
• If have trouble falling asleep or have restless nights.
• An individual can't fully concentrate on other tasks and responsibilities.
• If an individual have frequent headaches, eye strain, or muscle tension from prolonged screen time.
• If an individual prioritize scrolling through negative news over engaging in self care activities or pursuing hobbies.

Science behind the DOOMSCROLLING :-

Brain is most intelligent but simple organ, we can control brain and can teach it whatever we desire. So feeding always negative thoughts through media actually thrives brain to think accordingly and addicts to much extent that demands such information or notifications. This way brain stretches the connection with anxiety, fear, depression and stress, thus building mental health issues. 

How DOOMSCROLLING can be ceased :- 

Human beings are most intelligent creature and can learn or relearn at any time of the life. The DOOMSCROLLING can be stopped by adopting some of the below mentioned steps =>

# Developing alternative hobbies 

# Making real friends not only reel friends 

# Enhancing the reading habits 

# Spending time with family and friends 

# Spirituality and meditations are the weapons to kill DOOMSCROLLING 

# Scrolling something motivational, positive and humourous 

# Setting time boundaries for scrolling the notifications 

# Establish Tech free zones

# Disable Notifications 

# Develop and practice mindfulness 

Why People Need People: The Myth of Solitude :- 

Sharing is caring and at every point of life we need people. Humans are social animal and no technology can replace the human touch. The essence of sharing the feelings helps in detoxifications and friends with high moral values and ethics are most important one to save for lifetime. Depressions, stress and mental health issues are arising because of failing in discussing the actual feelings that come across at different times of life. People,  to be an independent are lacking the basic amenities that human body needs ie sharing your thoughts, opinions, feelings and being more expressive. Hiding all inside and mask as an strong and courageous personality is not at all good option. Concealing behind the social media and mobile phones will never be conferring some concrete results.