Highlighted Steve Artressia - 3 to 7pm 

Could Doom Scrolling Be Making You More Anxious?

Steve Artressia

We’ve all done it.

You pick up your phone to check one notification…

Twenty minutes later you’re watching videos, reading comments, catching up on everyone’s vacation photos, checking the news, and somehow you’ve forgotten why you picked up your phone in the first place.

It’s called doom scrolling, and experts say it may be doing more than just wasting time.

Research continues to show that spending hours on social media can increase feelings of anxiety, stress, and even loneliness. While “social media anxiety” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, psychologists say many people experience it through constant comparison, information overload, and the fear of missing out—better known as FOMO.

Think about it.

You’re comparing your ordinary Tuesday to someone else’s highlight reel.

That can leave almost anyone feeling like they’re falling behind.

The concern is especially strong among teenagers. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media face roughly twice the risk of developing mental health problems.

Adults aren’t immune, either.

Many find themselves caught in a cycle of checking notifications, comparing themselves to others, and struggling to unplug—especially before bed.

In fact, one Norwegian study found that every additional hour of screen time while in bed was linked to about 24 fewer minutes of sleep and a significantly higher risk of insomnia.

The good news?

Experts say you don’t have to give up social media completely.

A few small changes can make a big difference:

  • Put your phone away during the first 30 minutes after waking up.
  • Avoid scrolling in bed before trying to sleep.
  • Turn off unnecessary notifications.
  • Spend a little more time talking to people face-to-face than through a screen.
  • Make your phone a tool—not your default source of entertainment.

Technology is an amazing part of everyday life.

The trick is making sure you’re controlling your phone—not letting your phone control you.

https://balleralert.com/why-screen-time-might-be-messing-with-your-mood/

https://1063thefox.com/highlighted/things-we-always-lose-at-home/