independent.co.uk
Doomscrolling and Elections: Protecting Your Wellbeing
The impact of doomscrolling during elections on mental health and strategies for healthier news consumption.
English
United Kingdom
Us PoliticsElectionSocial MediaMental HealthWellbeingNews
Priory Hospital Cheadle RoyalPriory Wellbeing Centre Manchester
Donald TrumpKamala HarrisDr Sheethal Rajashanker
- Why do we doomscroll during an election?
- Doomscrolling, or excessive consumption of negative news, is driven by a desire for information, a false sense of control, and social media algorithms designed to maximize engagement.
- Is there any content we should avoid during an election?
- To mitigate negative impacts, avoid sensationalized news, polarizing content, and unverified information. Be mindful of frequent notifications and distressing imagery.
- Does doomscrolling election content impact your wellbeing?
- Doomscrolling negatively impacts wellbeing by increasing anxiety, stress, and disrupting sleep patterns; it can also lead to mood swings, irritability, loneliness, and strained relationships.
- Why is this election in particular drawing so much attention?
- This election is drawing significant attention due to high-profile issues, tight competition, a polarized political landscape, and amplified online engagement through social media platforms.
- How do you keep track of election news without it taking over your life?
- To maintain better mental health, set boundaries on news consumption, engage in self-care activities, and seek out positive content; mindfulness practices can also help.