Most parents have seen their teen spend hours glued to a screen, but there’s a growing trend that’s more concerning than casual scrolling. It’s called doomscrolling—the habit of endlessly consuming negative or distressing content online. What may start as an innocent attempt to stay informed can quickly spiral into a cycle that leaves teens anxious, drained, and less hopeful about the world around them.
Because adolescence is already a time of heightened emotions and identity-building, teens are especially vulnerable to the impact of doomscrolling. The constant exposure to bad news, negative headlines, or pressure-filled social media feeds can affect how they see themselves, their relationships, and their future.
This post will walk you through what doomscrolling is, why teens are drawn to it, how it affects their mental health, and practical ways to help them break the cycle.
What is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling is the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news or social media content, even when it leaves you feeling anxious, drained, or overwhelmed. It often starts with the intention to stay informed or make sense of ongoing events, but quickly turns into a compulsive cycle of consuming distressing headlines, posts, and updates. Instead of providing clarity, doomscrolling can heighten stress, fuel hopelessness, and make it harder to step away from your screen.
Why Do Teens Doomscroll?
Several factors make teens particularly susceptible to doomscrolling. One of the primary reasons is the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Teens often feel anxious about missing important updates, whether it’s global news or social media trends, driving them to stay glued to their screens.
Additionally, adolescence is a stage where teens are trying to make sense of the world around them. In times of crisis or uncertainty, they may turn to social media as a way to understand what’s happening, even though the influx of information can be overwhelming.
Another factor is emotional sensitivity. During the teenage years, emotions are experienced more intensely, making them more susceptible to the emotional impact of negative news. This can lead to a cycle where they seek more information in an attempt to alleviate their anxiety, but they end up feeling worse as they consume more distressing content.
How Does Doomscrolling Affect Teens?
For teens, doomscrolling isn’t just a habit—it can shape how they see themselves, their future, and the world around them. Because adolescence is already a time of emotional growth and heightened sensitivity, the effects of constant exposure to negative content can be even more intense.
Increases Anxiety and Worry
Doomscrolling feeds teens a steady stream of alarming news and upsetting stories. This constant exposure can leave them feeling like the world is unsafe, uncertain, or out of control. Over time, it can fuel chronic worry and make everyday stress feel harder to manage.
Contributes to Depressed Mood
When teens spend long stretches scrolling through negative content, it can deepen feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Seeing repeated stories of crisis or tragedy can make it harder to stay optimistic, and in some cases, may contribute to symptoms of depression.
Disrupts Sleep and Rest
Late-night scrolling is one of the most common patterns linked to doomscrolling. Teens who stay up tracking news or checking updates often lose valuable sleep, which directly affects mood, focus, and emotional regulation. Poor sleep also makes anxiety and depression worse.
Fuels Comparison and Self-Doubt
Alongside the news, social media feeds often mix in peers’ highlight reels. For teens already vulnerable to self-comparison, doomscrolling can magnify feelings of inadequacy—making them wonder why they can’t measure up when the world feels so heavy.
Creates a Sense of Helplessness
Constantly consuming negative content without balance or context can leave teens feeling powerless. They may believe their actions don’t matter or that the future is bleak. This sense of helplessness can sap motivation for school, friendships, or even activities they used to enjoy.
Signs Your Teen May Be Doomscrolling Too Much
It’s not always easy to tell when scrolling has crossed the line into doomscrolling. But there are some common signs that suggest your teen’s screen time may be doing more harm than good:
-
Mood shifts after scrolling – They seem more anxious, irritable, or sad after spending time online.
-
Difficulty sleeping – They stay up late checking news or social media and struggle to get enough rest.
-
Increased withdrawal – They spend less time with friends or family and more time alone on their devices.
-
Obsessing over bad news – They frequently bring up negative headlines or can’t seem to let distressing stories go.
-
Declining motivation – Schoolwork, hobbies, or responsibilities start slipping as scrolling takes priority.
-
Feelings of hopelessness – They talk about the future as if it’s bleak or out of their control.
How to Stop Doomscrolling
Breaking the cycle of doomscrolling requires conscious effort and support. One effective strategy is establishing boundaries. Encourage teens to set specific times for checking social media or news, limiting their exposure to negative content. Using app timers or settings to restrict usage can be helpful in managing this habit.
Another approach is to curate a more positive feed by following accounts that post uplifting or neutral content. Unfollowing or muting accounts that frequently share distressing or sensationalized news can help reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises can also assist teens in becoming more aware of their scrolling habits, making them more intentional about their media consumption. Encouraging participation in offline activities is another crucial step. Engaging in sports, arts, or hobbies can provide a positive distraction and help teens focus on something constructive, reducing the time spent on screens.
What to Do Instead of Doomscrolling
Finding alternatives to doomscrolling is key to improving mental health and overall well-being. Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and improve mood. Encourage regular exercise, whether it’s a sport, dance, or simple walks. Physical activity not only provides a healthy distraction but also releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
Creative outlets such as drawing, writing, or playing an instrument can help teens process their emotions and provide a sense of accomplishment. These activities allow them to express themselves in a constructive manner, diverting their focus from negative online content.
Additionally, building real-world social connections is essential. Encourage teens to spend time with friends and family, as supportive conversations can counteract feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging.
Another practical step is to establish structured news consumption habits. Setting a specific time for news updates, ideally during the day rather than before bed, allows teens to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. This approach helps them process information in manageable doses and avoid the negative spiral of doomscrolling.
Support That Helps Teens Break the Cycle
Doomscrolling can quietly take a toll on your teen’s mental health, leaving them more anxious, isolated, or overwhelmed. With the right support, they can learn healthier ways to use technology, set boundaries that protect their well-being, and reconnect with the things that bring them balance and joy. At Imagine by Northpoint, we help teens build stronger coping skills, develop mindful habits, and find healthier outlets for stress beyond their screens.
If your teen is struggling to step away from negative content online, we’re here to guide them toward resilience, confidence, and healthier routines. Contact us today to learn more about our teen treatment programs and how we can help.