How Doomscrolling Can Destroy Your Productivity

Image Source

Nowadays, the world is just so hyper-connected; while sure, even a decade ago, the world was super connected thanks to the internet being wider within the world, and even with smartphones being more common now than ever before, it’s really easy to see why. Sure, there are plenty of benefits, but the thing is, there are more than enough disadvantages, too. Actually, it’s easy to get sucked into the digital vortex of endless information. 

Of course, while staying informed is important, there’s a darker side to our online habits that can sneak up on us—doomscrolling. This term might sound ominous (and it is), but it’s all for a good reason. It’s coming up on the news and in articles more on how this is bad for your overall mental health (something that’ll be covered here). But it still goes beyond that, too. So, with that said, here’s the impact on productivity and what you can do to kick the habit.

What Is Doomscrolling?

So again, this has come up in the media a lot, but what exactly is this? It’s just scrolling on your phone, right? Well, doomscrolling refers to the act of continuously scrolling through negative news stories and social media feeds, often without realizing how much time has passed.

This habit can be especially prevalent during times of crisis (like what was happening during the pandemic) or uncertainty, like during a global pandemic (COVID or beyond), political unrest (like elections), or natural disasters. The constant flood of bad news can be overwhelming, yet we cannot look away. 

Sometimes, it just might be hard, too, because algorithms keep feeding you content —things you might not even want to engage with in the first place. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion—horrifying, yet we can’t seem to turn our eyes away.

But it’s not just doom-scrolling, either. Constantly having the news on, like CNN (something that a lot of elderly people do), tends to have a bad impact as well. 

How Doom Scrolling Affects Mental Health

Before brushing up on how it affects productivity, it’s best to first go over how it affects mental health because they’re so intertwined. 

Anxiety Will Increase

Now, you have to understand that reading about negative events continuously can heighten feelings of anxiety and stress. Our brains are wired to respond to threats, and consuming alarming news can trigger a stress response, leaving us in a constant state of unease.

You’ll Feel Hopeless

When you’re bombarded with negative news, it’s easy to feel like the world is spiraling out of control. Honestly, it’s all really scary too! This can lead to a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. It’s really a shame because it makes you feel like there’s nothing we can do to make a difference.

How Can This Directly Impact Productivity? 

So, like what was said just right about, if something affects your mental health, it’s going to immediately affect your productivity as well. 

It Diverts Attention

A lot of people are guilty of being addicted to their phones; after all, you get a small release of dopamine from those notifications. But is that all? Well, you have to keep in mind that constantly checking news and social media can be incredibly distracting. Every time you pick up your phone to check the latest headlines, you’re diverting your focus away from tasks that need your attention. This constant switching can make it hard to concentrate on your work.

It Reduces Motivation

Do you know how it was mentioned that you’d feel hopeless because the world is crumbling, or do you feel like you’re not enough? Well, this is going to kill motivation, which in turn kills productivity. When you’re feeling down about the state of the world, it’s challenging to muster the energy and enthusiasm needed to tackle your tasks. 

It Might Be Harder to Make Decisions

So this is one that surprises a lot of people, but high levels of stress and anxiety can impair our cognitive functions, including decision-making. When our minds are clouded with worry, it’s harder to think clearly and make sound decisions, which can affect both personal and professional aspects of life. Honestly, it’s the furthest thing from ideal since your whole judgment gets clouded. 

What Can You Do to Stop Doomscrolling

Again, this is really bad, and the last thing you want to do is destroy your productivity. It doesn’t matter if this productivity involves your career, academic career, or even unpaid labor around the house. It needs to be taken seriously. 

You Need to Set Boundaries for Screen Time

It’s going to be a really good idea to just go ahead and establish specific times for checking news and social media and stick to them. Now, this might be a mental challenge at first, but it’s going to be a really good idea to go ahead and start avoiding looking at your phone first thing in the morning or right before bed. But if the temptation is just way too strong, then it’s best just to use apps or built-in features on your phone to limit screen time and set reminders to take breaks.

You Need to Engage in Positive Activities

It’s totally fine to use your phone during your free time, like your breaks. But the problem is scrolling. So, you’re better off looking into other apps and websites to use on your phone instead. For example, why not start doing crossword puzzles on your phone? 

How about playing video games on your phone? You’d be surprised about some of the long RPG games that phones can now play. You can even read books or chit-chat with people. But just trying to avoid news, social media, and even websites like Reddit should be ideally avoided, too.

Focus On What You Can Control

This goes back to that helplessness feeling. While yes, we can’t control the world, none of us can, but you don’t have to think all hope is loss. So, instead of dwelling on negative news, focus on actions you can take to improve your situation. Whether it’s volunteering, advocating for a cause, or simply being kind to others, taking positive actions can help you feel more empowered and less helpless. You might not be able to change the world, but you can change the world of one person, and that alone is incredible.