An Honest Look at Doomscrolling: A Deep Dive into the Dark Practice

Core Concepts

Doomscrolling is a complex practice that involves a mix of compulsion, pleasure, and narrative fascination, leading individuals to delve into an abyss of hopelessness and despair through intense engagement with distressing news.

Abstract

Doomscrolling, the act of endlessly consuming negative news on social media feeds, has become a prevalent behavior in modern society. The term "doomscrolling" encapsulates the addictive nature of this practice, where individuals transition from initial concern to overwhelming dread. This behavior is characterized by a compulsive need to stay informed about pressing narratives while being consumed by wicked problems presented in crisis media. The emotional intensity derived from doomscrolling is likened to jouissance, where pleasure intertwines with pain or intensity. Despite the grim content encountered during doomscrolling sessions, individuals find themselves unable to disengage due to a sense of responsibility or curiosity. The allure of doomscrolling lies in its mythic and phantasmic elements drawn from dark fantasy, horror, and religious mythologies. It offers a subgenre of horror that intensifies storytelling affect and narrative conflict within media consumption.

Stats

"The term “doomscrolling” started making the rounds in 2019."
"We’ve had two more years of pandemic."
"The number, scale, and wickedness of the problems served up by crisis media rears up like a wicked monster."
"Compulsion is key to doomscrolling."
"Doom is not just rendered — it is written or announced."

Quotes

"Doom does not always imply a cosmic barrister or prophet; sometimes the laws of physics are enough to foreordain an implacable fate." - Erik Davis
"In our darker (or more realistic) hours, we may reason our way to such hopelessness — pessimism of the intellect, and all that — but the emotional submission is where the real frisson lies." - Erik Davis
"The devil’s greatest trick is to convince us that he does not exist, but horror’s greatest trick is to convince us that its fabulations do." - Erik Davis

Key Insights Distilled From

An Apocalyptic Meditation on Doomscrolling

by The Mit Pres... at thereader.mitpress.mit.e... 10-01-2023

https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/an-apocalyptic-meditation-on-doomscrolling/

Deeper Inquiries

What role does narrative affect play in intensifying doomscrolling behavior?

Narrative affect plays a significant role in intensifying doomscrolling behavior by adding layers of sensation and intensity to the information consumed. As individuals engage with distressing news stories, the narratives presented often evoke strong emotional responses that go beyond mere factual understanding. These narratives tap into deep-seated fears, anxieties, and desires for sensational experiences, drawing individuals further into the cycle of consuming negative content. The sensationalism inherent in storytelling amplifies the impact of threats and crises, creating a sense of urgency and dread that compels individuals to continue scrolling through bleak news feeds.

How can individuals balance staying informed with avoiding succumbing to doomscrolling's allure?

To balance staying informed with avoiding succumbing to doomscrolling's allure, individuals can implement several strategies. Firstly, setting specific time limits for engaging with news updates can help prevent excessive exposure to negative content. Creating boundaries around when and how long one engages in scrolling through distressing news can limit the risk of falling into a compulsive pattern. Additionally, diversifying sources of information and incorporating positive or neutral content into daily media consumption can provide a more balanced perspective.
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as grounding exercises or meditation can also help individuals stay present and aware of their emotions while consuming news. Developing awareness of personal triggers that lead to increased anxiety or despair during doomscrolling sessions is crucial for taking proactive steps towards managing those triggers effectively.

In what ways can understanding archetype-driven behaviors help mitigate the negative impacts of doomscrolling?

Understanding archetype-driven behaviors can offer insights into mitigating the negative impacts of doomscrolling by enabling individuals to recognize underlying patterns influencing their reactions to media consumption. Archetypes represent universal symbols and themes deeply embedded in human consciousness, shaping our perceptions and responses to various stimuli, including narratives presented in news stories.
By identifying archetypal influences on their thoughts and emotions while engaging in doomscrolling, individuals gain a deeper understanding of why certain types of content resonate strongly with them. This awareness allows for conscious reflection on how these archetypes may be fueling feelings of fear, hopelessness, or fascination during media consumption.
Moreover, recognizing archetype-driven behaviors provides an opportunity for introspection and self-awareness regarding one's psychological tendencies towards certain narrative elements. By acknowledging these influences consciously, individuals can develop coping mechanisms tailored to address specific triggers associated with archetype-related responses during doomscrolling episodes.