When a person’s thoughts no longer align with their actions, cognitive dissonance emerges as an inevitable force. It exists in between the contradictions of awareness and action, between emotional exhaustion and compulsive return.

We know endless scrolling can damage our functioning. This behaviour is exhausting, anxiety-inducing and emotionally draining, yet we continue scrolling in search of something. Perhaps clarity, certainty, distraction or relief. We are made to believe that maybe one more scroll would finally feel enough. But it rarely does.

Psychologist Raju Raut, a faculty member at Shankerdev Campus, Central Department of Psychology, expands further on this topic.

How does cognitive dissonance operate in doomscrolling behaviour?

It occurs because of the dissonance between individuals recognising that excessive browsing of negative online content harms their mental health and continuing to engage in the behaviour.

According to Festinger's theory, this conflict creates psychological discomfort. To reduce this discomfort, individuals often justify their behaviour. In the case of doomscrolling, for example, a person may convince themselves that constantly consuming negative news is necessary to stay informed and prepared.

Can doomscrolling become a coping mechanism for loneliness, uncertainty, or lack of control?

Doomscrolling can function as an emotion-focused coping mechanism within the framework of stress and coping theory. People experiencing loneliness may engage in doomscrolling to feel more connected to the outside world. Similarly, those facing uncertainty may constantly seek news and information in an attempt to reduce uncertainty and gain a sense of predictability.

Individuals who feel they lack control over external events may also rely on doomscrolling, believing that staying continuously updated gives them an illusion of control. However, rather than providing lasting relief, doomscrolling often increases anxiety and stress, making it an ineffective long-term coping strategy.

Why do people continue doomscrolling even when they know it is damaging their mental health?

Individuals often continue doomscrolling despite being aware of its harmful consequences because of the interaction of several psychological processes. Cognitive dissonance leads people to rationalise their behaviour, reducing the psychological discomfort that arises from acting against their better judgment.

At the same time, reinforcement mechanisms encourage continued scrolling, as unpredictable exposure to new or emotionally charged content can be highly rewarding. In addition, the human brain is evolutionarily predisposed to pay greater attention to negative information, making it even more difficult to disengage from distressing online content.

At what point does being “chronically online” become psychologically self-destructive?

Being ‘chronically online’ becomes detrimental when excessive internet use begins to negatively affect an individual's psychological well-being, daily functioning, and ability to cope with everyday life.

It is associated with symptoms such as chronic stress, irritability, exhaustion, poor sleep quality, and difficulty concentrating. It may also lead to neglect of real-life responsibilities, social withdrawal, and an increasing reliance on online activities for emotional regulation.

Importantly, being chronically online is not defined by the number of hours spent on the internet but by a loss of control over one's online behaviour and its negative impact on daily life.

Can cognitive dissonance trap people in cycles of ‘one more scroll’ despite emotional exhaustion?

Cognitive dissonance can trap individuals in a "one more scroll" cycle, even when they feel emotionally exhausted. As they continue scrolling, they may recognise that the behaviour is harming their mental well-being, creating psychological discomfort.

Instead of stopping, they often reduce this discomfort through rationalisation, convincing themselves that one more piece of information may be useful or provide a sense of satisfaction. While this justification temporarily eases the discomfort, it also reinforces and perpetuates the cycle of doomscrolling.

What psychological strategies can help people break the doomscrolling cycle without completely disconnecting from the world?

To overcome the problem of doomscrolling without entirely cutting oneself off from social media and the Internet, it is necessary to apply cognitive, behavioural, and emotional regulation methods.

Cognitive regulation could involve challenging one’s own irrational assumptions about how important it is to keep oneself informed and adopting more rational thinking patterns. Behavioural regulation can consist of setting certain time restrictions on consuming news and deliberately making some time when one updates their status. Finally, engaging in physical exercise, practising mindfulness, and spending quality time with friends or family are examples of emotional regulation that will give one a chance to handle their emotions better.