Doomscrolling on TikTok is a pretty big deal right now, especially for teens. Basically, it’s when you just keep scrolling through negative or depressing content, and it makes you feel super anxious or stressed out. TikTok is usually a fun place with lots of dances, memes, and funny videos, but there’s also a ton of serious content about news, social issues, and personal problems that can make you feel pretty down.
One reason doomscrolling happens is because of TikTok’s algorithm. It’s designed to show you more of what you watch, so if you keep watching sad or stressful videos, it will keep feeding you more of the same. This can create a loop that’s really hard to get out of. Plus, seeing so much negativity all the time can mess with your mental health, making you feel anxious, helpless, or even depressed.
Also, TikTok’s short videos make it easy to watch a ton of content really quickly. Unlike reading a news article that gives you more context, TikTok videos are quick and can be super sensational, which can make everything feel even more urgent and stressful.
To break the doomscrolling cycle, try to be more mindful of what you’re watching. Follow accounts that post positive and uplifting content, set time limits for how long you’re on the app, and take breaks to do other things that make you happy, like hanging out with friends, exercising, or reading. By being more intentional with what you watch, you can still enjoy TikTok without getting caught up in all the negativity.
Doomscrolling: What it is and How to Stop | 34th Street Magazine
