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Thanks to the development of technology, the lifestyle of modern people has changed dramatically in recent years. Many people have started living in smart homes, working remotely and making friends online. Not only is our everyday style changing, but also our way of thinking and habits are changing, not all of which are good for us.
In this article, we'll talk about doomscrolling: what it is and how to deal with it.
And if your child wants to discover the world of safe technology, welcome to Progkids!
What is doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling (from English. “doomscrolling”) is a habit of flipping through news feeds on social media for a long time. This term often refers to negative and disturbing news. Doomscrolling has become common in recent years as people started spending more time online, following world events and the lives of others.
How doomscrolling affects kids
For children and adolescents, doomscrolling is particularly harmful: their psyche is not yet fully developed, and they may be more susceptible to stress and anxiety.
Possible consequences of excessive consumption of social media content
1. Increased anxiety and stress;
2. Sleep problems;
3. Decreased mood and even depression;
4. A drop in concentration and productivity;
5. Loss of interest in studies and real life;
6. Decreased empathy.
Doomscrolling Facts
#1. Word of the Year
In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, the Oxford Dictionary named “doomscrolling” the word of the year.
#2. Traumatic effect
Doomscrolling can injure a witness when a person can't help thinking about what they've read and avoids anything that reminds them of an unpleasant event.
#3. Body response
Doomscrolling can trigger physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and increased cortisol (stress hormone) levels. This is because the brain reacts to negative news in the same way as to real threats.
#4. A vicious circle
Doomscrolling creates a continuous cycle: the more people read the news, the more anxious they become. The worse he feels, the more eager he is to seek out new information in the hope of reassuring himself.
#5. The “dark time” effect
Research shows that people tend to doomscrolling in the evening or at night when they feel most vulnerable and lonely.
How to protect your child from doomscrolling
Let's talk about this.
Tell your child about doomscrolling and its possible consequences. Explain why it's important to limit the time you watch news feeds.
I'll check 5 minutes
Limit the time your child spends on social media. Use parental controls on devices to control access to the Internet.
When the day is scheduled by the minute
Help your child organize their day so they can study, relax, pursue their favorite hobbies, be physically active, and connect with family and friends. A healthy regime will reduce the craving for watching news on social media.
There are so many wonders in the world
Encourage your child to develop other interests and hobbies. Record it in different sections and mugs. And if kids can't live without a computer, make sure they spend quality time in front of the screen.
I choose what to watch and read
Set filters on your child's devices to block inappropriate content. Only use safe search engines and apps for kids.
Do like me
Children often follow their parents' example: start with yourself and stop doomscrolling to set a healthy example for your child.
Learning to think
Teach your child to think critically about information online. Explain how to distinguish between reliable and false sources and how you can verify the facts.
Emotional support
Maintain the child's emotional state. If he feels anxious or depressed about the news, discuss his feelings and suggest ways to deal with stress.
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