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Doomscrolling: "The activity of spending a lot of time looking at your phone or computer and reading bad or negative news stories."
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Use the following prompts to describe images of people consuming news or being glued to their screens:
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Word bank: in • for • that • as • crises • combat • and • to • a • compared • blend • by • consumption • promote • emerged • the • out • through • sense • on
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In the digital age, "doomscrolling" has ＿＿＿(1) as a new phenomenon, characterising the compulsive need to continue scrolling ＿＿＿(2) bad news, despite its negative impact on our mental health. The term, a ＿＿＿(3) of "doom" and "scrolling," reflects a behaviour exacerbated by social media and news platforms designed to keep users engaged ＿＿＿(4) long periods.
The practice of doomscrolling can be ＿＿＿(5) to an older phenomenon from the 1970s called the mean world syndrome, described as "the belief ＿＿＿(6) the world is a more dangerous place to live in than it actually is as a result of long-term exposure to violence-related content ＿＿＿(7) television." Studies show that seeing upsetting news leads people to seek ＿＿＿(8) more information on the topic, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.
The allure of doomscrolling lies ＿＿＿(9) the human brain's natural bias towards negative information, known ＿＿＿(10) negativity bias. This instinct, once crucial for survival, now finds a playground in the endless stream of updates, often highlighting ＿＿＿(11), disasters, and conflicts. The 24/7 nature of news and ＿＿＿(12) algorithm-driven feeds of social media ensure that there's always more alarming content to consume.
However, this habit comes with ＿＿＿(13) cost. Prolonged exposure to distressing news can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and a ＿＿＿(14) of helplessness. It can disrupt sleep, affect mood, and lead ＿＿＿(15) a pessimistic outlook on life. Mental health experts warn against the dangers of doomscrolling, advising moderation and mindful ＿＿＿(16) of news.
To ＿＿＿(17) doomscrolling, experts suggest setting limits on media consumption, curating a more positive online experience, and engaging in activities that ＿＿＿(18) mental well-being. ＿＿＿(19) understanding and addressing this behaviour, individuals can reclaim control over their digital lives ＿＿＿(20) safeguard their mental health in an increasingly connected world.