Doomscrolling continues to raise concerns over mental health and sleep

May 18, 2026 2 min read

Experts say doomscrolling often begins as an attempt to stay informed but can evolve into a prolonged cycle of negative content consumption. The behavior gained visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to affect sleep, social interaction and emotional well-being.

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Compulsive consumption of negative news online continues to draw attention from mental health specialists because of its effects on mood and daily habits.

Experts at Mayo Clinic warn that so-called doomscrolling can affect sleep, social relationships and emotional well-being.

The constant consumption of negative news and alarming online content — known as doomscrolling — continues to raise concerns among mental health specialists because of its effects on emotional well-being, sleep and everyday routines.

Mayo Clinic psychologist Craig Sawchuk explained that this behavior often begins as an attempt to understand uncertain situations or prepare for potential threats, but can evolve into a compulsive search for negative information.

According to the specialist, the term gained popularity during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people remained confined and relied heavily on digital devices for information.

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The uncertainty generated during that period fueled continuous news consumption patterns, even though the information itself did not reduce feelings of concern or anxiety.

Sawchuk noted that the human brain naturally tends to focus on detecting threats and novelty, a mechanism historically associated with survival. However, in digital environments, this reaction can intensify and lead to prolonged exposure to negative content.

Emotional and digital impact.

In practice, this means users may continue consuming posts or news that reinforce emotions such as anxiety, frustration or helplessness, even when the experience begins affecting their emotional state.

“When you think about the word doom, it creates a strong emotional reaction,” Dr. Sawchuk observed.

The specialist also recommended that people ask themselves several questions while consuming online content:

Does this information actually help with planning or decision-making?
Or is it simply triggering negative emotions about situations beyond my control?

According to Sawchuk, many people consume far more information than necessary to understand a topic, which can lead to indecision, feelings of helplessness and greater emotional overload.

He also suggested reflecting on how time spent online is affecting mood and which activities are being displaced by doomscrolling:

Is it affecting sleep, personal relationships, work, physical exercise or overall well-being?

Effects on daily habits.

Sawchuk added that doomscrolling can negatively affect mood in several ways:

Sleep procrastination.

When content consumption takes place late at night, many people continue scrolling much longer than intended, affecting sleep quality and mood the following day.

“Sleep disruption makes us less pleasant in our interactions. The next day we tend to be less tolerant and more impatient.”

Declining social health.

Time spent on phones can replace opportunities for interaction with friends and family, activities that are often emotionally restorative.

Less exercise and time outdoors.

Physical activity, sunlight exposure and contact with nature help reduce stress and improve mood. However, doomscrolling often becomes a prolonged and sedentary activity.

Limits and emotional well-being.

Sawchuk also recommended establishing boundaries around internet exposure, periodically monitoring emotional state while browsing and replacing part of screen time with activities related to social interaction, exercise or rest.

According to Mayo Clinic, understanding how this behavior affects emotional health may help people develop more balanced digital habits and reduce prolonged exposure to negative online content.