Negative news and ITS IMPACT ON YOU

Is our obsession with our newsfeed and ‘doomscrolling’ having a detrimental effect on our mental health?

- FRANCESCA WOODSTOCK

With so much going on in the world, and with smartphones at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to keep up to date with all the latest news.

But while it can be reassuring for some to always be on top of the most recent developments, for others, constantly reading and seeing such upsetting news can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

With the uncertainty of the pandemic and its threat to national health, escalating energy bills, and the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, living through such worrying times has given rise to a compulsive need to check the news.

But is this trend – known as ‘doomscrolling’ – having a very real effect on our mental wellbeing? Woman investigates.

Fake news or fact?

Using social media as a news platform means misleading information can rapidly go viral. Here’s how to sniff out fake news:

Check whether a story has been validated by a reputable news publication.

Photos of iconic figures can look convincing, but mismatched quotes can be misleading.

Look closely at photos – have they been altered or taken out of context?

Anyone can create a fake social media account – check the handle and bio for verification.

WHY IS ROOM SCROLLING BAD FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH?