Is it doomscrolling? Or just scrolling? Learn the difference.

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Is it doomscrolling? Or just scrolling? Learn the difference.

The term “doomscrolling” didn’t gain widespread attention until the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the behavior is familiar to social media users. It can start with a single post and soon turn into hours of scrolling.

The urge to scroll through disturbing news is an extension of the fight-or-flight response—a way of seeking safety through staying informed, according to experts like Dr. Michael Rich, director and founder of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital. However, overconsumption of tragic news can negatively affect mental and emotional health, especially in teens and young adults.

Looking for ways to help your teen build healthier habits online? Verizon offers practical advice on screen time, media use, and starting those conversations at home.

What is the difference between healthy screen time and doomscrolling for teens? Experts share their insights and practical tips.

1. Is it doomscrolling or just scrolling?

The first step is to understand the difference. Ask questions that could reveal how they feel after too much scrolling: Is it affecting sleep, eating, or friendships?

Experts suggest approaching the conversation as collaborative problem-solving. Help teens explain how scrolling impacts their overall sense of well-being.

Here’s why: While doomscrolling is often referred to as a symptom of media “addiction,” Dr. Rich shares that this is not a helpful framework for understanding or treating a doomscrolling habit. Interactive media, unlike drugs or alcohol, is necessary for success and survival in our modern world. “With addiction, our therapeutic goal is abstinence from the substance … whereas with overconsumption of media, our goal is self-regulation,” he says.

2. What’s in their news feed?

Experts note that not all scrolling has the same impact. Understanding what teens are spending the most time with is key to addressing doomscrolling.

Experts suggest: Talk about “feed hygiene.” Unfollow or mute accounts that could be stressful and follow more neutral or uplifting ones—such as cute animals or hobbies—that could reshape the algorithm.

Here’s why: Try to get a sense of the kind of content your child may be experiencing. For younger teens, this might mean finding time to scroll through their social media apps together and talk about the balance of positive, negative, and neutral content in their newsfeed.

“This might be tougher with older adolescents who might want more independence,” says Rosa Li, Ph.D., teaching assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “In this case, [feed check-ins] might look more like a conversation about the content that’s popping up. What’s the proportion of positive to negative, and how does it make you feel?”

3. Can they spot clickbait?

Salacious headlines and clickbait posts are designed to get attention. Teach teens to identify the difference between meaningful content and misleading distractions.

Experts suggest: Discuss examples of clickbait together. By building critical media literacy skills, parents could be a go-to resource when teens see things online.

Here’s why: Dr. Rich points out that teaching teens to recognize provocative or misleading headlines can equip them to navigate online spaces more critically. This skill will prepare them to handle harmful content like misinformation or deepfakes.

4. Can they put their worries to work?

Experts say doomscrolling often comes from a good place—a desire to stay informed. However, teens can also develop an awareness of how constantly reading stories about tragedy, war, or disaster might affect them on an emotional level.

Experts suggest: They also suggest helping your teen recognize when it’s time to take a break. Encourage them to volunteer, create art, or join a cause-based community to turn feelings of helplessness into meaningful engagement. Or set up time zones throughout the day where Wi-Fi access simply goes off, using parental control apps on their phones.

Here’s why: Li explains that while it’s important for kids to stay informed, constantly consuming negative news can lead to hopelessness. Channeling their energy into tangible actions—like volunteering or creative expression—can help them process their emotions and engage meaningfully without becoming overwhelmed. “Ideally, we should help them channel that engagement into real, tangible action in their community,” Li says, “not just liking or resharing posts.”

5. Do they know why they’re scrolling?

Experts say most doomscrolling can happen out of habit—such as picking up the phone with no real purpose in mind. Practicing mindfulness can help teens use social media more purposefully and avoid spiraling.

Experts suggest: They recommend encouraging teens to pause before opening an app. Ask: “Why am I opening this? What do I want to feel? Am I bored? Or do I want to feel better?” Set a timer for 10 minutes and check in: Did it improve their mood, or is it time to log off?

Here’s why: Li recommends teaching mindfulness as a way to counter reflexive scrolling. By setting intentions before using social media and checking in with their emotions afterward, teens can become more aware of how their habits impact their mood. Timers may also help them stay on track and avoid getting lost in endless scrolling.

Regardless of the strategies families use, Dr. Rich says it’s also important to help teens regulate their own media use rather than relying on media restrictions.

“Let’s shift our frame around interactive media from terms like ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ ‘good’ and ‘bad’ … to viewing it more like an environmental health issue,” Dr. Rich says. “The goal is not to just clean up the digital environment but to help our kids breathe the air that surrounds them now, in the best way possible.”

This story was produced by Verizon and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.