Social media has become an important part of modern life. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube are no longer used only for entertainment, but also for information, communication, and social recognition. However, behind this convenience, various digital phenomena have started to affect users’ mental health.
Recently, terms such as doomscrolling, social media addiction, and the pressure caused by the flood of digital information have become widely discussed among netizens and online communities. Many people are beginning to realize that excessive social media use can trigger stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion without them even noticing it.
What Is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling is the habit of continuously scrolling through negative news, frightening content, or information that triggers anxiety. This phenomenon has become more common due to the increasing use of smartphones and social media algorithms that constantly display content based on users’ interests.
Many people actually realize that the content they consume makes them uncomfortable, yet they still find it difficult to stop. This happens because the human brain is naturally curious about new information, especially content that is emotional or shocking.
Doomscrolling usually happens when someone:
- Keeps reading bad news before going to sleep
- Spends hours on TikTok or X
- Cannot stop checking comments or online debates
- Feels anxious after using social media for too long
Today, this phenomenon is considered one of the biggest mental health challenges in the digital era.
Social Media Addiction Is Becoming More Common
Social media addiction is no longer just a popular term but is starting to become a serious concern. Many users find it difficult to stay away from their phones even for a few minutes. Notifications, short videos, and recommendation algorithms constantly encourage users to reopen applications.
Some signs of social media addiction include:
- Constantly checking smartphones
- Feeling restless when offline
- Difficulty focusing while studying or working
- Reduced real-life social interaction
- Sleep disruption due to excessive gadget use
This phenomenon is especially common among teenagers and young adults because digital activities have become part of daily routines.
Digital Information Pressure Causes Mental Exhaustion
Besides addiction, digital information overload has also become a new problem in modern society. Every day, users are exposed to hundreds of pieces of information from social media, group chats, viral videos, trending news, and constantly changing public opinions.
This condition often causes people to experience:
- Overthinking
- Mental fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Fear of missing out (FOMO)
Many social media users feel pressured to constantly follow trends so they are not considered outdated. The pressure to appear perfect online also worsens psychological conditions for some people.
The Impact of Social Media on Daily Life
Social media actually provides many benefits when used wisely. However, excessive use can negatively affect daily life.
Sleep Disorders
Many users stay on social media late at night, causing reduced sleep quality.
Reduced Productivity
Time that should be used for studying or working is often wasted on endless scrolling.
Social Anxiety
Some people start comparing their lives with the lives of others on social media.
Emotional Stress
Negative content and online arguments can easily trigger emotional reactions and stress.
Reduced Real-Life Interaction
Real-world relationships may weaken because people become too focused on digital life.
Why Is Social Media So Hard to Leave?
Digital platforms are intentionally designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. Algorithms continuously show content that attracts users based on their previous activities.
Short videos, notifications, likes, comments, and personalized recommendations constantly stimulate dopamine in the brain. This is why many people feel “addicted” to opening social media repeatedly.
In addition, social media often becomes a quick source of entertainment when people feel bored, stressed, or lonely.
How to Reduce the Negative Effects of Social Media
Although social media is difficult to avoid, its use can still be controlled to protect mental health. Some steps that can help include:
Limit Social Media Usage
Use screen-time reminders to better control gadget use.
Reduce Negative Content Consumption
Avoid accounts or news that frequently trigger stress and anxiety.
Take a Digital Detox
Taking breaks from digital devices for several hours or days can help calm the mind.
Focus on Real-Life Activities
Spend more time exercising, reading books, or gathering with family and friends.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
What people show on social media does not always reflect reality.
Positive Activities to Reduce Digital Stress
One effective way to reduce stress caused by social media is by trying creative and relaxing activities. Art, handicrafts, and cultural workshops are becoming increasingly popular because they help people feel calmer and more focused on real-life experiences.
For local residents and tourists looking for a unique experience, an ecoprint workshop at Pusat Batik Banyuwangi can be an interesting option. This workshop teaches participants how to create fabric patterns using leaves and natural materials while also introducing Banyuwangi’s local culture.
Besides being educational, ecoprint activities are often considered therapeutic because they are carried out in a calm atmosphere filled with creativity and far away from digital pressure. Activities like this can become an alternative form of healing from doomscrolling and social media addiction.
FAQ
What is doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling is the habit of continuously consuming negative news or anxiety-triggering content on social media without being able to stop.
Why can social media cause stress?
Social media can trigger stress because users are constantly exposed to excessive information, social pressure, and negative content.
What are the signs of social media addiction?
Common signs include difficulty staying away from smartphones, constantly checking notifications, trouble focusing, and feeling anxious when offline.
How does social media affect teenagers’ mental health?
Social media can influence self-confidence, sleep quality, concentration, and even trigger social anxiety among teenagers.
What are the effects of doomscrolling on mental health?
Doomscrolling can lead to overthinking, stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion due to constant exposure to negative information.
Why do many people find it difficult to stop using social media?
Because social media algorithms are designed to continuously attract users through short videos, notifications, and personalized recommendations.
What is FOMO on social media?
FOMO, or fear of missing out, is the feeling of being afraid of missing trends, information, or activities that are currently popular online.
How can someone reduce social media addiction?
People can reduce addiction by limiting screen time, reducing negative content consumption, and increasing offline activities.
Is social media always harmful?
No. Social media also offers benefits such as communication, entertainment, education, and easier access to information when used wisely.
What activities can help reduce digital stress?
Creative activities such as exercising, reading books, meditation, and ecoprint workshops can help reduce digital stress.
What are the mental health benefits of ecoprint workshops?
Ecoprint workshops help people relax because participants focus on art, creativity, and interaction with natural materials.
Why is mental health becoming more important in the digital era?
Because modern society is increasingly exposed to digital information every day, making stress and mental exhaustion more common.