What Does Doom Scrolling Mean?
The term doom scrolling refers to the habit of continuously scrolling through one’s online newsfeed, particularly on social media platforms, in search of the latest updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. It gained popularity in April 2020 and is often used in-person to criticize someone’s constant need to check the internet for more distressing news. While scrolling can be done on a computer, it is typically done on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet. People often engage in doom scrolling on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as news websites that provide articles related to COVID-19, such as CNN, Fox News, or Yahoo. Here are some examples of how to use the term doom scrolling:
- “Dad, stop doom scrolling and come to the table for dinner!”
- “I can’t help but engage in doom scrolling every night before bed. It has become a bad habit.”
- “I spent hours doom scrolling yesterday and it really affected my mood. I need to take a break from it.”
- “My friend is constantly doom scrolling and it’s starting to worry me. I think it’s taking a toll on their mental health.”
- “I caught myself doom scrolling during a work meeting. I need to find a better balance between staying informed and being present.”
It’s important to note that the term doom scrolling does not have a sexual connotation. It simply describes the act of scrolling through newsfeeds for COVID-19 information. It is not a typo or a typing mistake, but rather a slang term that has gained popularity in recent years.
What Does Doom Scrolling Mean From a Girl?
When a girl uses the term doom scrolling, she is likely referring to the same meaning as everyone else. It is a term used to describe the habit of continuously scrolling through social media and news websites in search of the latest updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls use it similarly to guys and it does not have a specific meaning from a girl’s perspective.
Girls often use doom scrolling in conversations with their friends or in online communities where discussions about current events and news are common. It is a way for them to express their frustration or concern about constantly being bombarded with distressing news.
If someone uses doom scrolling in a conversation with you, it’s best to acknowledge their feelings and provide support. You can reply by saying something like, “I understand how overwhelming it can be. Maybe we can take a break from social media and focus on something positive for a while.”
It’s important to remember that everyone has different coping mechanisms, so if someone finds comfort in staying informed about current events, it’s okay. However, if someone is feeling overwhelmed or anxious due to excessive doom scrolling, it’s important to encourage them to take breaks and practice self-care.
Example 1:
- Girl A: Ugh, I’ve been doom scrolling all day and it’s making me so anxious.
- Girl B: I totally get it. Sometimes it feels like there’s no escape from all the bad news.
Example 2:
- Girl: I can’t stop doom scrolling. It’s like a never-ending cycle of negativity.
- Friend: I know, right? It’s so hard to disconnect from all the chaos sometimes.
Example 3:
- Girl A: Have you heard about the latest COVID variant? I can’t stop reading about it.
- Girl B: Girl, you need to take a break from all that doom scrolling. It’s not good for your mental health.
Example 4:
- Girl: I’ve been doom scrolling for hours and now I’m in a terrible mood.
- Friend: Maybe it’s time to put down your phone and do something that makes you happy instead.
Example 5:
- Girl A: I feel like doom scrolling is taking over my life. I can’t focus on anything else.
- Girl B: Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize your mental well-being.
What Does Doom Scrolling Mean From a Guy?
When a guy uses the term doom scrolling, it generally means the same thing as when a girl uses it. It refers to the habit of continuously scrolling through social media and news websites in search of the latest updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. Guys use it similarly to girls and it does not have a specific meaning from a guy’s perspective.
Guys often use doom scrolling in conversations with their friends or in online communities where discussions about current events and news are common. It is a way for them to express their frustration or concern about constantly being bombarded with distressing news.
If someone uses doom scrolling in a conversation with you, it’s best to acknowledge their feelings and provide support. You can reply by saying something like, “I know, it’s hard to avoid all the negative news sometimes. Maybe we can take a break from social media and do something that brings us joy.”
It’s important to remember that everyone has different coping mechanisms, so if someone finds comfort in staying informed about current events, it’s okay. However, if someone is feeling overwhelmed or anxious due to excessive doom scrolling, it’s important to encourage them to take breaks and practice self-care.
In summary, guys use doom scrolling similarly to girls and it does not have a specific meaning from a guy’s perspective. It is a term used to describe the habit of continuously scrolling through social media and news websites in search of the latest updates about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Example 1:
- Guy 1: Dude, have you seen the latest news about the stock market crash?
- Guy 2: Yeah, I’ve been doom scrolling all morning. It’s crazy!
Example 2:
- Guy 1: Did you hear about that new variant of the virus?
- Guy 2: Yeah, I saw it while doom scrolling on Twitter. It’s definitely concerning.
Example 3:
- Guy 1: I can’t stop reading about all the natural disasters happening around the world.
- Guy 2: I get it, man. Doom scrolling can be addictive. Just remember to take breaks and focus on the positive too.
Example 4:
- Guy 1: Have you seen the latest COVID-19 statistics?
- Guy 2: Yeah, I’ve been doom scrolling through different news websites. It’s important to stay informed, but it can also be overwhelming.
Example 5:
- Guy: I’ve been doom scrolling for hours and now I’m feeling really anxious.
- Girl: Take a break, dude. Go for a walk or do something that relaxes you. Remember to take care of your mental health too.
Origin of Doom Scrolling
The origin of the word/phrase “doom scrolling” is not clear. It is possible that it emerged as a combination of the words “doom” and “scrolling” to describe the habit of continuously scrolling through newsfeeds in search of distressing or alarming information, particularly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also possible that it was coined by individuals who noticed this behavior becoming more prevalent during the pandemic and wanted to give it a name. As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that “doom scrolling” is a derived word or a popular typo of another word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slangs similar to Doom Scrolling
Infobesity, news addiction, social media obsession, information overload, digital fatigue, and news fixation are similar to “doom scrolling” because they all involve the excessive consumption of online information, often leading to negative effects on mental health and well-being. These terms describe the overwhelming and compulsive behavior of constantly seeking updates and scrolling through newsfeeds or social media platforms.
Is Doom Scrolling A Bad Word?
No, “doom scrolling” is not a bad word or vulgar word. It is a term used to describe the act of constantly scrolling through online newsfeeds, particularly for information about the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may have a negative connotation as it refers to the habit of constantly seeking out dire news, it is not inherently vulgar or offensive.
Is Doom Scrolling a Typo or Misspelling?
The term “doom scrolling” is not a misspelling or a typo. It is a slang term that refers to the habit of continuously scrolling through one’s online newsfeed in search of the latest updates about the COVID-19 pandemic.
