DOOMSCROLLING – A HARMFUL TREND ON THE WEB. ANALYSIS OF THE PHENOMENON

The article discusses a disturbing phenomenon in our digital age, and namely doomscrolling, the main source of which is an increase in the consumption of unpleasant, gloomy news by Internet users. The aim of the study is to analyse the behaviour that is becoming a habit – compulsive Internet scrolling in search of ever scarier information and to attempt to diagnose this phenomenon among young people. The article is based on a presentation of the theoretical background (analysis and criticism of the literature on the subject) along with results of empirical research conducted on the basis of an online survey among students of the University of the National Education Commission in Cracow. The article attempts to answer key questions, such as: whether and why we tend to seek negative and depressive news, do we immerse ourselves in scrolling, why we are inclined to engage in such activities, as well as whether we are aware of the scale of potential mental and physical health problems that may arise due to doomscrolling. As a result of the conducted research, it has been established that driven by an insatiable thirst for information (even at the expense of mental well-being), we indulge in viewing information with a negative tinge, although we do not waste too much time on it. For the most part, we are aware that this habit, although seemingly harmless, can have profound consequences for our mental health and overall quality of life. In addition, it was pointed out that the solution to this type of problem should be appropriate education – developing the necessary digital competences – and constructive journalism. The results of our own research may be a kind of suggestion on how to take care of our digital well-being, i.e. reduce undesirable habits in our use of technology.