In the digital age, our thumbs have become finely tuned instruments of destruction—scrolling endlessly, consuming a steady stream of fear, outrage, and despair. Welcome to the world of doom-following, a cousin of doom-scrolling, where instead of merely ingesting negative news, we actively seek out and follow accounts that fuel our anxiety and pessimism.

We do it unconsciously at first. A breaking news story shocks us, so we follow a journalist for updates. A crisis unfolds, and we add more experts, commentators, and voices—until one day, our feed is an unrelenting torrent of catastrophe. Politics, war, economic downturns, climate disasters—our curated list ensures that there’s no escape. We aren’t just passively absorbing negativity; we are subscribing to it, engaging with it, and reinforcing it with every like, comment, and share.

The Psychology of Doom-Following

Doom-following is driven by a mix of fear, curiosity, and the illusion of control. Our brains are wired to prioritize threats—a survival mechanism from our evolutionary past. When bad news strikes, we instinctively seek more information, believing that awareness equates to preparedness. But in reality, our consumption often exceeds our ability to act, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and powerless.

Social media algorithms exacerbate the problem. Platforms prioritize engagement, and nothing drives interaction like fear and outrage. If you follow one doom-laden account, the algorithm will ensure you find more. Before you know it, your digital world is curated to keep you in a perpetual state of alarm.

The Consequences: Anxiety, Burnout, and Learned Helplessness

Doom-following isn’t just an emotional burden—it has real mental health consequences. Chronic exposure to distressing content increases anxiety, stress, and even symptoms of depression. It fosters a sense of learned helplessness, where we begin to believe that no action is meaningful because everything is spiraling out of control. This, in turn, can lead to burnout, social withdrawal, and a sense of disconnection from the real world.

How to Break Free

The first step to escaping doom-following is awareness. If you’re constantly feeling anxious after scrolling, take a look at your follow list. Are you surrounding yourself with negativity under the guise of staying informed?

• Audit Your Feed: Unfollow or mute accounts that consistently make you feel stressed or hopeless.
• Diversify Your Content: Follow accounts that inspire, educate, or entertain without causing distress.
• Set Boundaries: Limit your social media use, especially during times of heightened stress.
• Engage in Real-World Action: Channel your concern into constructive efforts—volunteering, advocacy, or community involvement.

The world is not just a series of crises unfolding in real-time. There is joy, resilience, and progress happening too. You don’t have to ignore the world’s problems, but you also don’t have to drown in them. Curate your digital life with the same care you curate your real one. Your mind will thank you for it.

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges of our time. Whether it’s the pressure of work, social expectations, financial struggles, or the constant stream of information from digital devices, modern life seems designed to fuel our stress levels. But while anxiety is common, it doesn’t have to control us.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress. It’s our body’s way of preparing for a perceived threat, activating the fight-or-flight response. While this response was crucial for our ancestors’ survival, in today’s world, it often gets triggered by non-life-threatening situations, leading to chronic stress and overwhelming worry.

Signs and Symptoms

Anxiety manifests in various ways, including:

• Persistent worry or overthinking
• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or tension
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Avoidance of certain situations due to fear or stress

Strategies for Managing Anxiety

While anxiety can feel debilitating, there are practical steps to help manage and reduce its impact:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps bring awareness to the present moment, reducing overthinking and worry.
2. Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally reduce stress and improve mood.
3. Breathing Techniques: Simple exercises like deep breathing or the 4-7-8 technique can calm the nervous system and bring immediate relief.
4. Limiting Stimulants: Reducing caffeine, sugar, and screen time can help prevent unnecessary spikes in anxiety levels.
5. Seeking Support: Talking to a trusted friend, therapist, or support group can help process emotions and develop coping strategies.

Reframing Anxiety

Instead of seeing anxiety as a weakness, it can be helpful to view it as a signal—your body is telling you something needs attention. By addressing the root causes and implementing healthy coping mechanisms, you can turn anxiety from an obstacle into a guide for self-improvement and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety is part of life, but it doesn’t have to define you. By understanding its triggers and taking proactive steps, you can regain control and move toward a calmer, more centered existence. Small changes can lead to big improvements—start today.