Doomscrolling and Anxiety Disorders Among Young Adults in the Digital Era: Psychological and Behavioural Implications
Kehinde Daniel Obidele
*
Department of Kinesiology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
Chibuikem Eleke
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Ruth Korankye
Department of Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY- 82072, USA.
Abiola Toluwalase Ogundele
Department of Mass Communication, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Iji-Daniel Tina
Clinical Psychology Unit, Psychiatry Department, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau, Nigeria.
Adaobi Sandra Unakalamba
North London NHS foundation trust, London, England.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The contemporary digital information environment has transformed media consumption patterns by increasing exposure to continuously updated online content. Although digital platforms have improved access to information and social interaction, they have also intensified information overload and exposure to distressing material. Within this context, doomscrolling has emerged as a pattern of repeatedly consuming negative or threatening information through digital media. It is described as habitual and immersive scanning of timely negative information on social media newsfeeds, characterised by repetitive and difficult-to-control engagement with distressing digital content. This narrative review examines the relationship between doomscrolling and anxiety among young adults, with attention to cognitive, emotional and behavioural mechanisms that may sustain anxiety-related processes. Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, and peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 were narratively synthesised. The review also considers the digital conditions that reinforce doomscrolling, including algorithmic exposure, information overload and compulsive checking patterns. The reviewed evidence suggests that the relationship between doomscrolling and anxiety disorders is complex and multidimensional. Reported psychological and behavioural implications include heightened worry, emotional fatigue, cognitive overload, sleep disturbance, reduced concentration, compulsive media checking and social withdrawal. The findings indicate that doomscrolling should not be understood solely as excessive screen use, but as a digitally embedded behaviour shaped by individual vulnerability, crisis-related uncertainty and platform design. However, much of the current evidence remains correlational, limiting causal interpretation. A clearer understanding of doomscrolling-related anxiety may support conceptual development, inform targeted interventions and guide digital well-being strategies for young adults in contemporary media environments.
Keywords: Doomscrolling, anxiety disorders, young adults, digital media consumption, social media behaviour, behavioural addiction, cyberchondria, sleep disruption