Until a week ago I had never even heard the words doomsurfing or doomscrolling before. Have you? Not only does the Urban Dictionary online include it, but the well-known Merriam-Webster recently wrote a blog post describing it as, “the tendency to continue to surf or scroll through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening or depressing.” What they fail to mention is that many of us do it even if the source of the “news” hasn’t been verified and is sometimes untrue. That leads to the other new word—Infodemic—as a “blend of ‘information’ and ‘epidemic’ that typically refers to a rapid and far-reaching spread of both accurate and inaccurate information about something such as disease. As facts, rumors, and fears mix and disperse, it becomes difficult to learn essential information about an issue.” So these days, with the flood of doom issues related to the climate crisis, the economy, the upcoming election, greed and corruption everywhere we look every piece of news carries the potential for both doomsurfing and being a part of an Infodemic. The question is, are we personally adding to or easing the spread?
The analogy I’ve told before as a story is the idea that every one of us carries a small bucket on each of our shoulders as we go through our days. On one shoulder is life-giving and refreshing water. On the opposite shoulder is a bucket of gasoline. In every situation, with every person we meet, every post we share, either in person or online, we can dump our bucket of water which helps to clean and restore the situation. Or, we can dump our bucket of fuel and ignite the fire and aid in destruction. Each offers us a choice, but as with most experiences in our lives, we have to stay aware and conscious if we want to insure we are helping and not making a problem worse.
So, anytime we scroll through social media obsessively absorbing negativity—yes, that means YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—we are infusing that doom into our bodies, minds and souls. And any time we compulsively do the same with television news reports over and over, or read the 20th article about the same subject, we are tamping down our positive emotions and giving full rein to our fear and sense of unfolding dread. And unfortunately, if some of that news or information hasn’t been verified or examined by trustworthy sources, we are allowing such misinformation or distortions to create even more havoc in ourselves. Worse yet is if we then share such distortions with others adding to an Infodemic.
While I would like to claim that I am above ever causing other people pain or contributing to the Infodemic, it would be untrue. I doubt anyone alive today, except maybe the Dali Lama, can claim otherwise. (And humble man that he is, he might even admit to it in a rare occasion.) None of us are perfect. Obviously, even with the best of intentions it is possible for us to fall asleep to our actions and get sucked into responses that do not serve us or others.
Part of my personal problem is that I like to stay informed. I have done my best to educate myself about the latest health news and how I, and those I love, can stay safe and healthy. I also believe it important to stay politically informed as well as do my best to recognize injustice and what I can do personally to correct that thinking in myself and others. However, I also realize how easy it is to be captivated by just one more article about a topic, or to be teased by the release of one more news piece about our current world condition and assure myself I’m only staying apprised of the latest. It’s time to ask ourselves, when is enough enough?
I’m trying. Two weeks ago I went on a Facebook fast. It was the first time ever that I’ve consciously chosen to stay away from all social media for a week. No Twitter. No Instagram. I did allow myself to read headlines in a few of the online magazines and newspapers I subscribe to, but I only read an article if it appeared to offer something new and relevant.
And you know what? The most obvious and expected result was that I mentally felt lighter and less overwhelmed. I didn’t become oblivious to the world; I just didn’t try to carry it on my shoulders. Instead of being led down a rabbit hole by one article, video or tweet, I instead took a walk with Thom and Kloe. Rather than research why or how someone did something or shouldn’t have done something else, I picked up a novel I’d been wanting to read and finished it in a couple of days. Another unexpected result from the “experiment” was that I had lots of extra time to do things that nourished me instead of stressing me. That alone taught me I have been seriously addicted to something that often isn’t in my best interest. I’m not sure if that would be the same for anyone else. But I urge us all to try it.
Still, even after those benefits, I haven’t given up on social media or the news entirely. I did mention that I like to stay informed and am a researcher at heart didn’t I? But what I have chosen to do in the weeks following my Facebook diet is to mindfully cut back. For the last couple of weeks, I allow myself to check my social media accounts first thing in the morning after my journaling and catch up with my friends when necessary. I also read the morning news. After that, I close it down and stay away until after dinner when I ready to shut down for the day. And it’s working—at least for me.
However with that said, I think it still needs to be pointed out that a big part of the problem is the fact that so many of us read and then share what we are reading as though it is our job to inform everyone else. And if we are sharing the doom that we are absorbing, guess what? In many cases we are tossing gasoline into other people’s lives in the same way we allowed the doomsurfing to overtake our own. Again, I realize that some of the information, especially if it is certifiably true, can be helpful to others. But if we catch ourselves sharing information that is causing people’s blood pressure to rise just from the headlines, and/or alarming others into fear and anxiety, we are part of the problem rather than any solution.
It’s clear that people are facing many problems both in our country and around the world. But I’m guessing the unexpected and often unnoticed problem is the fact that more and more of us are becoming addicted to reading and hearing about them and then regurgitating the doom and gloom that we have absorbed As it is with so many other circumstances, I can’t help but believe a big step in the right direction and the SMART choice is to stay aware and conscious of our actions. Only then will we help to cure the infodemic that comes from doomsurfing.
Kathy, I rarely look at Facebook for the reasons you mention. However, when I do (because for some friends and family, it’s their main way of keeping in touch), I find myself going down the FB rabbit hole and emerging an hour or two later, bleary-eyed, depressed, and feeling as though I have wasted my day.
I like to read blogs of my favourite bloggers and I often comment. However, I’ve decoupled notifications from blog reading, meaning I’ve opted to never receive notifications of new posts or comments (or blog posts in my email). That way, I can go to a blog and read recent posts in my own time, rather than feeling I ought to drop what I’m doing and read each post as soon as it comes out. As a result, I often come to a post long after everyone else, but the upside is that my time is my own — I don’t feel that pressure to react, or find myself distracted from my intentions for the day.
Where I have been wasting a lot of time recently is reading the news on the corona virus and its effects around the world — but only from trustworthy sources. Still, it is a depressing way to spend my day. I have been getting a little better on that lately.
Jude
Kathy, This is the first time I have heard the term “Doomsurfing.” One lesson I have learned the past few months is to remove a great deal of the useless, negative and inaccurate media and people entering my space. Like you say “…we have to stay aware and conscious….”. I love the word “nourish.” A great post, Kathy!
Doomsurfing, doomscrolling…hadn’t heard the terms until I read your article, Kathy. Add me to the guilty! 🙂
Hi Marlene! I’m a big fan of awareness giving up better options. I hope that works for you too. ~Kathy
Short answer: yes. I find it hard to not compulsively check for news about all our various problems. Honestly, I hope the first story I read each morning will report that the president has decided to resign and go play golf. In lieu of that, I spend no time on Twiter and very little on Facebook. But, with five different news feeds on the smartphone I am afraid doomsurfing (a term I have not heard before) is too much a part of my day.
I’ve tried electronic news detox but it just doesn’t last.
Hi Bob! Wouldn’t that be good news to wake up to hearing??? But unfortunately, there is far, far too much of the other stuff and once I see it, it is really hard to let it go. You might want to consider only one or two of those news feeds as a start??? ~Kathy
Some really incisive thoughts there. I too have been conscious of an increase in my screen time during this epidemic, and also of scrolling through Twitter and thinking how angry everybody is. I had a conversion a few days ago when I was sidetracked with a project and a deadline; unsurprisingly I didn’t miss social media at all. Consequently I made a decision to be much more stringent about my use of time and your post with its comments has really convinced me that I’m on the right path and that I am not alone.
Hi Caree! I think just about all of us who spend much time on our computer have to be very careful these days. But darn, isn’t it tempting. I’m doing better though now that I’ve thought and written about this. I’m hoping it sticks. Good luck to you too! ~Kathy
Social media is addictive, if we have time for it. And, for some, even if they don’t have time for it, I expect. It’s easy to get distracted and go down that rabbit hole. On workdays, I do something similar like you, I check my inbox and social media first thing in the morning. Then, I don’t touch anything like that until the day is over. I’ve become less engaged in Facebook and Instagram over the months. Blogging is still important to me, but reading the news is not. Mark will let me know when something important is going on. He only reads reliable sources and often would read about the same topic in different outlets, to puzzle together the “real” story. In the US every paper puts their own “spin” on the news, which should not be dramatic, but factual.
I so agree with and desire freed up time to be able to read books. My spare time almost always goes to reading blog posts of fellow bloggers and friends and leaving comments. After all that is done, there is no time left for books. I ought to find a solution for this vicious circle. Not that this has anything to do with the new terms you just taught me. 🙂
Hi Liesbet! Yes, I don’t think I’m the only one…those of us who spend a lot of time on the computer know how that feels. And like Donna, you’re lucky you have someone who will “filter” the news for you. And isn’t that true that we have to monitor reliable sources on top of everything else. Plus, I know you are a superstar when it comes to reading lots of people’s blogs. I sometimes feel guilty that I don’t do it more but we do have to pick and choose what to do with our precious time. Thanks for spending a little of it here with me/us! ~Kathy
I like your approach to “mindfully cut back.” I find that both Facebook and Twitter have become extremely toxic and so I only keep up with a few friends and relatives. Instagram seems to be better . . . at least so far.
Hi Tom! Thanks for confirming that it seems REALLY BAD these days! But then, just keeping up with a few friends and relatives isn’t always the best either (you haven’t met some of my relatives!) I’m going to try to spend more time on Instagram and maybe that will help! ~Kathy
Your post and the comments show that we’re all trying to figure this out! The phone does feel addictive sometimes, and so does indignation. My husband and I are running experiments to see when the best time of the day is to catch up on news and social media — and for how long. Late afternoon seems to be winning, and no more than an hour.
I agree with you about long-form news (essays rather than articles). I just read Bregman’s Humankind: A Hopeful History (wonderful book for those of us who want to be hopeful!), and he recommends the same. Not always easy…
Hi Nancy! Let me know how your experiment goes–cuz I need to keep adjusting. The last couple of nights I made the mistake of checking my Facebook feed right before bed. Not good! It kept me awake for quite a while. I think that late afternoon sounds like a good thing. And thanks for the suggestion of the book–I will look that up! As you say, it’s not easy (is breaking any addiction???) but I KNOW it is good for us! ~Kathy
This period of time is certainly substance to the gloom and doomers. Going through my cancer treatments I was told to eliminate any toxic people or behaviors from my life. To be very aware of the people I engage with be it on line or in person, on the phone etc. You don’t have to have cancer to follow this advice while still staying informed.
Great tips Kathy!
Hi Haralee! Oh yes…you certainly have a really good reason to be mindful about negativity. But honestly some of that bad stuff can’t be good for any of us! As you say, it’s so easy these days to stay informed without it. I will follow your advice and work on it even more. ~Kathy
I can relate to this. Matter of fact I decided a couple of days ago I would restrict my SM intake/output. I hadn’t actually got around to it, you’ve spurred me on. Thank you, Kathy.
Hi Mary! I think it is good if we keep reminding each other huh? I have found that even with my new formula…I have to STOP reading things a few hours before bedtime. I got sucked in the last two nights and it was dwelling on me for an hour after going to bed…. NOT GOOD! Let’s be strong! ~Kathy
Kathy, so true and such good advice! I have to watch myself as it is easy to get sucked into all of the articles and videos designed to spark outrage. I have to tell myself not to watch the latest video showing someone being racist/selfish/rude etc., etc.,… but I feel compelled to do so. I don’t know why as it adds nothing to my day but make me more sorrowful for the human race. I guess it’s like coming upon a car crash or a dumpster fire. Hard to look away.
If I haven’t been able to realize how awful people can act by now, I never will. Thank you Interwebs and cell phone cameras! 😉
Social media fasts are the way to go, especially now.
Thanks!
Deb
Hi Deb! Yes! It is certainly similar to watching the aftermath of a car crash even when you know you aren’t helping (and sometimes making it worse!) I agree that some people can act horrendously…and SM has given them the platform to spread that around. That’s why I think it would be good to make it our mission to spread the good around likewise…but just have to be mindful not to get sucked into the negativity. And yes…I’m grateful for what all those cell phone videos allow us to see what has always been there! ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Thank you for this important reminder. I have very little capacity for negative news of any kind, but live with a newsjunkie and still want to be informed of what I need to know. I agree that it’s a very difficult balance. I also highly agree with taking social media breaks. I do it quite often!
Hi Donna! Yes, you have been an inspiration to me in many ways…and the letting go of SM much of the time is one of them. In some ways you’re lucky that Richard does the “news watch” for you…but again, I am such an information junkie (not just news thank goodness) that I have to be mindful. So important to do that in these times. ~Kathy
Kathy, glad i read your post.
Thank you Sue!
Just having “time at home” doesn’t mean we should LET social media or negativity fill it. If someone rephrases a posting it may not be quite the whole story or truth, and hence a rumor or false news gets reported… “In many cases we are tossing gasoline into other people’s lives in the same way we allowed the doomsurfing to overtake our own.”
Gosh you are a good writer Kathy! You are easy to read and it flows so easily…
Hi Gary! Ahhhh, you always have been one of my best fans 🙂 and certainly a very good friend. Thank you. We’ve got to keep each other on track huh? ~Kathy
Kathy, good reminder to be careful regarding how we fill our minds. Just like any addiction, news junkies become controlled by what they read and view. I rarely look at FB, but I do still have an account. I NEVER share anything, even if it is positive. I want my feed to contain only posts that I have originated. I also block posts from my friends who constantly share negative content. When someone sends me an article through email that just doesn’t ring true, I verify its authenticity and advise the person who sent it when it turns out to be bogus.
Instagram is my refuge, as I only follow positive people, mostly photographers, bloggers and local businesses. I like waking up to a feed filled with beautiful photographs from around the world. I also love reading Blog posts from responsible, entertaining, and enlightened individuals. I don’t mind when a blogger shares a personal view regarding an issue, and I enjoy being challenged to think beyond my own perspective, but blogs that are politically one-sided won’t keep my attention for long.
It is challenging to discern what is real from what is simply meant to be inflammatory regarding news broadcasts, and I find myself tuning out more and more. My goal is to land somewhere between blissfully ignorant and overly saturated. I’m getting there one day at a time!
Hi Suzanne! Thank you for sharing your own personal experience with social media and/or the consumption of new info. I have two accounts on FB. One is for this blog and I only post things that I feel fall under the “SMART” category. However, with my personal FB page I do express opinions now and then although I do my best to only share things I have vetted or feel strongly about. It’s also a way to stay in touch with friends and/or family that don’t follow my blog. But like I confessed, I really have to stay mindful about what I read and consume and sometimes I falter. But I know I’m not alone because I see other people in my feed often spin out of control. Twitter is too much the same. I could use Instagram more but I tend to like to read things…not just look at the photos so I don’t usually “go there” much. Maybe I should try? Shooting for your balance seems to be a good way to go! ~Kathy