Doomscrolling

Two Cups of Tea at Hope’s Café

Somehow during the pandemic I missed that the term “doomscrolling,” also known as “doomsurfing,” came into being.  When I first heard it a few weeks ago, I thought how descriptive the word is.  And I also thought “Busted!”  I never thought of myself as really getting caught up in such an activity.  Yet I recognize how insidiously the process takes place.

According to psychotherapist and coach Tess Brigham, MFT, doomscrolling is mindlessly scrolling through negative news articles, social media posts, or other content-sharing platforms.

The good thing that came out of my newfound awareness of this habit I have developed, is that I am now paying more attention when I start to click on something.  Do I really want to spend my time on this?  Will this uplift me or likely bring me down?  My downfall currently is the agitation in our nation as we face the upcoming election.  I recognize that I fall into the trap of thinking that the more I read, the better prepared I am and that preparation will allow me to be more “in control.”  And there is that pesky word:  control.

As a therapist, I recall saying once to a client who was very anxious about her daughter: “You do know your worrying constantly about your daughter’s safety, doesn’t in fact keep your daughter safe, don’t you?” She looked dumbstruck, as the truth of that statement sunk into her awareness.  So easily we seek to manage what is beyond our ability to control.

There are suggestions for ways to deal with doomscrolling and other similar behaviors. Set time limits on yourself for time you spend on social media and other sources of news.  Take regular breaks from your devices. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga.  Spend some time on physical activity. Start or renew hobbies.  Volunteer for some group or agency whose mission matters to you. Plan some outings with friends you enjoy.

 Let’s face it.  Life is too short to spend our energies doomscrolling!

The invitation is open to share “two cups of tea” anytime at Hope’s Café, or anywhere you share companionship and conversation.

May we be bearers of hope, the “wait staff” of Hope’s Café for each other and all those we encounter.  Shalom, Kate