The news media is such that its focus is on bad, worse and the terrible.

The methodology to attract interest and shock people into subscription or readership is as old as P.T. Barnum’s Circus. Even into the 21st century, we find, such mockery of events, incidents, accidents and episodes as being passed off as journalism.

Reporting is no longer about news with views–its opinions and roundtable-mudslinging.

The result is that a generation of people have been conditioned to understand that newsworthy topic is negativity and trolling and of course the trending topic of “roast”. The global media now accepts “roast” as ideal form of humour and entertainment.

Positivity is passé. Why favour the obvious when there is so much mirth in the dirt.

Consumption of negative news and entertainment is such a disease that it has an internet terminology called “doomscroller”. A doomscroller is someone who compulsively consumes bad news, even when it makes them feel sad, anxious, or angry. Doomscrolling can be a harmful habit that contributes to anxiety and depression.

Why people doomscroll?

• Negativity bias: People are naturally drawn to negative information.
• Coping mechanisms: Doomscrolling can help people feel less isolated and different, at least temporarily.
• Social media design: The design of social media platforms can encourage doomscrolling.
• Provocative headlines: Headlines and stories that provoke strong emotions can encourage doomscrolling.

Who is most likely to doomscroll?

• Younger adults
• People who closely follow politics
• People with ADHD
• People with predispositions to addiction, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or anxiety and/or depression

How to break the habit?

• Be aware of your risk of forming an addiction
• Practice taking back control of your time and mental health
• Try to limit the amount of time you spend scrolling through bad news