doomscrolling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Colloquial, Internet slang
Quick answer
What does “doomscrolling” mean?
The act of compulsively scrolling through a large quantity of negative online news or social media content, despite its distressing nature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of compulsively scrolling through a large quantity of negative online news or social media content, despite its distressing nature.
The behaviour of excessively consuming pessimistic, alarming, or catastrophic news feeds on digital devices, often leading to anxiety, helplessness, or a sense of being overwhelmed. It is driven by a blend of morbid curiosity, anxiety, and the addictive design of content platforms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences. Spelling is consistent. The term is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of anxiety, compulsion, and modern digital malaise in both cultures.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, common in media discourse about mental health and technology use.
Grammar
How to Use “doomscrolling” in a Sentence
engage in [doomscrolling][doomscrolling] through Twittercaught [doomscrolling]prone to [doomscrolling]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doomscrolling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I found myself doomscrolling through the latest political crisis updates.
- She realised she'd been doomscrolling for an hour and put her phone down.
American English
- He doomscrolled through Twitter until 2 a.m., feeling worse by the minute.
- I need to stop doomscrolling and go outside.
adjective
British English
- His doomscrolling habit was affecting his sleep.
- The article discussed doomscrolling tendencies during lockdown.
American English
- She went on a doomscrolling marathon last night.
- The app has features designed to limit doomscrolling behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in contexts of workplace productivity loss and employee mental wellbeing.
Academic
Used in media studies, psychology, and sociology papers on digital behaviour and mental health.
Everyday
Common in conversations about news fatigue, social media habits, and self-care.
Technical
Used in UX/UI design discussions about addictive algorithms and ethical design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doomscrolling”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doomscrolling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doomscrolling”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'I had three doomscrollings yesterday'). It is generally uncountable.
- Confusing it with general social media use; it specifically implies a negative content focus.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It was added to major dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster around 2020-2021, reflecting its widespread use in digital culture.
Yes. The verb form 'to doomscroll' (past tense: doomscrolled) is very common, e.g., 'I doomscrolled for an hour.'
Doomscrolling implies a compulsive, prolonged, and passive consumption focused predominantly on distressing content, often leading to negative emotional effects. Casual news reading is more intentional and limited.
Yes. Concepts like 'joyscrolling' (seeking uplifting content), intentional news consumption with time limits, and 'digital gardening' (creating content rather than only consuming) are suggested alternatives.
The act of compulsively scrolling through a large quantity of negative online news or social media content, despite its distressing nature.
Doomscrolling is usually informal, colloquial, internet slang in register.
Doomscrolling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduːmskrəʊlɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduːmskroʊlɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Down the doomscroll rabbit hole”
- “A spiral of doomscrolling”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a medieval scroll that only tells prophecies of DOOM. You keep unrolling it (SCROLLING) even though it scares you.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSUMPTION OF INFORMATION IS EATING (binge, consume, feed); THE INTERNET IS A SPACE (fall into, down a rabbit hole); NEGATIVITY IS A FORCE (spiral, cycle, trap).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'doomscrolling'?