Why does scrolling feel so good?

Research shows that users go from one post to another on social media every 19 seconds. When we scroll through our feeds switching between content so quickly, the brain gets a hit of dopamine each time, creating a sort of neurological 'high. ' It's that rush that keeps you scrolling through the content.

What does mindless scrolling do to you?

Studies have found that mindless social media scrolling is associated with depression in young adults.

What is mindless scrolling called?

Doomscrolling or doomsurfing is the act of spending an excessive amount of time reading large quantities of negative news online.

How do I stop my addiction to scrolling?

Why is infinite scrolling good?

Infinite scrolling typically works best for situations where users will want to scroll through homogeneous items with no particular task or goal in mind — for example, entertainment, news, or social media.

Why We Can't Stop Scrolling

Why is scrolling so addictive?

When we scroll through our feeds switching between content so quickly, the brain gets a hit of dopamine each time, creating a sort of neurological 'high. ' It's that rush that keeps you scrolling through the content. It's the same as any addiction, be it drugs, alcohol, or slot machines.

Is scrolling relaxing?

In fact, when you're doomscrolling, your eyes are constantly moving, and your mind is not getting any rest. Although you are sitting or seem to be relaxing yet, the reality is different. Scrolling through your phone or tablet can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and eventually, sleep deprivation.

Is scrolling a coping mechanism?

“Doomscrolling is essentially an avoidance technique used to cope with anxiety, so wherever you are vulnerable to anxiety, doomscrolling can become an unhealthy coping mechanism,” says Megan E. Johnson, a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in trauma and brain-behavior relationships.

What is the psychology behind scrolling?

When we scroll through our feeds, switching between content so quickly, “the brain gets a hit of dopamine each time, creating a sort of neurological 'high,'” illustrating how the simple act of scrolling through TikTok gives just enough of a “rush” to our brains that we prolong our stay on the app (Rupp, 2022).

Is scrolling bad for brain?

Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling

And it's that habit of endless scrolling, studies show, that results in information overload - an kind of paralysis that impacts the motivational system of the brain. The sheer quantity of information at our fingertips is processed at a deep level as a threat.

Is scrolling a form of dissociation?

We determined that participants who described mindless scrolling or becoming completely absorbed in social media use, coupled by a loss of sense of time or self-awareness, were experiencing normative dissociation.

Does scrolling cause memory loss?

—A new study by Stanford University has found that watching TV while also scrolling social media can lead to memory loss.

Who started infinite scroll?

It's been 14 years since one technology engineer designed a simple app feature that changed the lives of millions and turned the use of social media into an addiction we all fight. His name was Aza Raskin and he now says he's deeply sorry and feels guilty about it.

Why is infinite scroll addictive?

The consensus is that infinite scroll works like a little lever. Users pull it, and they receive a shot of dopamine. Because of how the brain works, that makes it addictive. Endless scrolling can be bad for your mental health, especially when you find yourself constantly scrolling through bad news.

What mindless habits trigger anxiety?

Neglecting yourself and not taking care of your personal needs can be an anxiety trigger. Whether you're not showering regularly, skipping meals, staying up too late or not going to the doctor, it's important to evaluate these behaviors and work to take better care of yourself.

What to replace mindless scrolling with?

Do people prefer scrolling or clicking?

Some studies have shown that while clicking was once a preference, more and more people now prefer to scroll. The reason is that clicking is seen as a chore, whereas scrolling is faster and easier, especially when using mobile devices.

What is addictive design?

The 'stickiness' of a platform is based on addictive design. That is, they are designed to sustain a user's attention and offer actual or perceived rewards for continuing to use the platform. Algorithms drive users toward previous-interest web pages, accounts or games.

What is zombie scrolling?

Zombie Scrolling Syndrome is a term coined by the McAfee security company in 2016 to describe the effects of cell phone addiction. It's defined as “mindless scrolling out of habit, with no real destination or benefit.”

How do I stop scrolling with ADHD?

What are the 3 types of coping?

Researchers have proposed three distinct types of coping styles: problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping and avoidance coping [27, 29, 30].

Why do I scroll before bed?

“[This nighttime scrolling] often happens when something during the day, like at work or in a relationship, feels very out of control, so at night, the mind attempts to gain control over those emotions by pushing them away,” Josephson shared in a recent Instagram post.

What is scroll fatigue?

What Is Scrolling Fatigue? Scrolling fatigue sets in when a user becomes frustrated while scrolling through a website or app and either stops paying attention or quits entirely. There are many ideas about what causes scrolling fatigue and how developers and designers can avoid inducing it in users.

What is deep scrolling?

Deep Scrolling is a digital project that encourages social media users and consumers to unfollow those things and people who post negative ideas designed to make others feel bad and instead follow those who post creative ideas such as art.

What is the psychology of the infinite scroll?

Like a loose slot machine, the infinite scroll gives users fast access to variable rewards. Interestingly, our brain isn't wired to seek pleasure alone. In fact, much of our motivation comes from alleviating the pain of desire. Dopamine levels spike when we're just about to find reward and plummet after we receive it.