The Dangers of Doomscrolling

By Chelsea Natale, 2027

Published 4/9/2025

Needless to say, it’s very easy to become addicted to screens nowadays. With phones that go everywhere with us and a constantly expanding field of technology, who wouldn’t want easily accessible technology with them? There’s so much information in our hands today than ever before, which leads to screens becoming more enticing. Many Americans today spend an average of 4 and a half hours on their phones daily. To some, four hours a day is very little. But what marks the difference between a normal amount of screen time and a dangerous phone addiction?

In 2025, phones serve as much more than just a tiny box for communication; they serve as a connection between us and the entire outside world. Many can’t go long without checking their phones to see if there are any new notifications or just to scroll. However, scrolling isn’t always good. While one can argue that social media has its benefits, according to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, it isn’t so great overall. With people starting to rely more on their phones for information during the COVID pandemic, doomscrolling became frighteningly common. 

To put it simply, doomscrolling is when someone excessively scrolls on social media for a long period of time. This nasty habit easily influences your emotions: the more time you spend on your phone and around negative content, the more likely you are to start feeling distressed. If it becomes a regular occurrence, you know that you have gone too far. 

There are ways to help combat screen time and constant social media scrolling. Some strategies can include setting time limits on your phone, putting your phone in a different area for a little bit, and even having a parent take it for a little bit. The more you are able to enjoy life without screens, the less you’ll rely on your phone. A little nature has never hurt anybody.