It is not always doom and gloom in the media industry, but when it is, it is pretty depressing.

But today, we are focusing on the positive by ensuring that you know that just because you are doomscrolling, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will meet your doom.

Follow along as Jané Rossouw from media update scrolls along with your doomscrolling.

First of all, what is doomscrolling?

According to Sarah Watts, a health and science journalist from Chicago, "Doomscrolling — sometimes also referred to as doomsurfing — is a phenomenon where you constantly scroll or surf through social media and other news sites in order to keep up with the latest news."

Doomscrolling places a specific focus on negative news and can be tied to a need for self-soothing and to screen addiction.

Why do we keep scrolling if it is so bad?

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sometimes we just can't help ourselves.

Studies show that doomscrolling can be a misguided act of self-soothing; by seeing all the bad news 'out there', you feel somewhat safer in your own space — albeit more paranoid and anxious.

Doomscrolling saw a high uptake during the pandemic when people would be scouring the Internet, news outlets and social networks to see the latest statistics of Covid-19.

How do I stop doomscrolling?

Remember that even though it's good to be aware of social issues, it is not good if your obsession with bad news is making you depressed or anxious.

So, here are five tips to help stop your doomscrolling:

1. Be aware of the negative indicators
If you are feeling more anxious, depressed or drained than when you started your scrolling session, then this means it's time to look at the signs.

Social platforms are a way of communication and information, but if it is affecting you in a negative form, then it means it's time to stop scrolling.

2. Track your screentime
By tracking your screen time, you can become aware of two things. The first is where your time is spent and the second is how much time you are spending on your preferred platforms.

By focusing on these two features, you can see which platforms to avoid or lesson.

3. Set a social timer
As mentioned previously, by tracking your screen time, you can see where the problem lies. If you don't have the discipline to limit yourself from the platforms that are causing you all the doom and gloom, then you can rest assured your phone can do the hard work for you.

Set up a preferred timer on the app that is costing you your good mood and stick with the time limit. Not only will you be saved from a bad mood, but you will also lessen your screen addiction.

4. Balance bad news with a dose of good news
We can't always guarantee that the news is going to have any form of good news and we cannot guarantee that you will stop going on social platforms; but, we can guarantee that adding some good news to the mix will help with your mood.

After a doomscrolling session, try to balance it out with some good news. This is to remind yourself that life is not that bad and that there is still a rainbow at the end of the storm.

5. If it is not adding to your life, say bye-bye!
It's the ultimate relationship red flag, so say goodbye to something that you know is toxic. Don't be that person who keeps going back to the toxic traits — rather cut the bad news and move on with your life.

Needless to say, it's time to start cutting back on all the doom and gloom that comes from the media and to start prioritising the sunny-side of life.

Are you a doomscroller? If you are, what do you do to counter the negative news? Share your tips and tricks in the comments section below.

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**Information sourced from www.endocrineweb.com and www.wkyc.com