Dixya Poudel

Our minds tend to be drawn towards the cynical. It explains the proliferation of negative news in the current times. Today we have social media that has become a haven for spreading sensational news. It has introduced the term doomscrolling or doomsurfing. Both of them refer to the excessive consumption of negative news on the screens such as mobile phones, tablets, iPads and so on.

Especially the prevalent times has led to rather dismal views globally. As lives are lost by the pandemic, there is also a fear of economic downturn and instability. It has further added to a constant screen time and consequently amplified the consumption of negative news though the varied online platforms.

Most screens of electronic gadgets are made sensitive to touch and users can access apps and other functions through the screens. Social media are created to post and share photos, files, documents and news through the feed of the users. And such feed can be maneuvered by scrolling on the screens. It is used to access news and information as well as to view photos and images displayed on the screens.

Further, it is highly addictive as it gives people momentary joy while seeing the photos of their loved ones or tuning in to good news. However, when it comes to doomscrolling ordoomsurfing, it can lead to anxiety for the future and negative thoughts.

Social media might be sites to connect with the loved ones but it has also become a platform to share only happy and overly curated messages, highly edited photos along with personal and professional news of success and achievements. It only glosses over the positive moments and good vibes. And people tend to compete on the social media for attention and notifications such as likes, comments and shares.

When only the positive aspects of our lives are displayed on the social media, it can lead to feelings of inferiority to the viewers. It is a constant test of one’s reservoir of goodwill. One can only put on a happy face and a brave stance while battling the social media related complexes. In the end, it exerts a toll on young minds whose mentality tilts towards social confirmation and acceptance.

Excessive screen time on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and TikTok can lead to feelings of competition and comparison. The grass always seems greener on the other side and it is inherent in people to compare their lives and achievements to others. It isn’t a new concept; human beings have always competed among one another for fame, accomplishments and affluence. Growing up, children are taught to compete with each other for prizes, grades and accolades. Even before social media was introduced in the world, people competed consistently. Only now the competition is displayed vividly on the screens.

As the technology has advanced, the quality of screens has become highly defined in which the lives of celebrities and public figures are greatly glossed over. The rest of the people look upon the public figures and emulate them. While scrolling on the screens is a relatively new activity, the notion behind it is age old. People love to connect, only now it is reflected on the social media feed and as a result people scroll through their screens almost too incautiously.