The Doomscroll Trap
The Hook
Endlessly consuming upsetting information
How the Tactic Works
Continuous updates create an illusion that more consumption equals more control.
How AI / Algorithms May Amplify It
Feed ranking can continually supply fresh related alerts.
How to Recognize It
I keep refreshing but feel neither safer nor better prepared.
What It May Touch
Fear, anxiety, helplessness, distrust, need for control, compulsive checking, catastrophizing, self-pity
Possible Buried Belief
“I have to know what’s happening or I’ll be unprepared.”