Psychological Perspectives on Doomscrolling and Existential Anxiety Among University Students: Challenges for Education in the Digital Age

The rapid development of information technology has presented various new challenges in the world of education, one of which is the phenomenon of doomscrolling—the habit of accessing negative information excessively through digital media. This study aims to analyze in depth the relationship between doomscrolling behavior and existential anxiety in college students, as well as its implications for the educational process in the digital age. This research uses a qualitative approach with the literature study method (library research), which examines various scientific journals, books, and other reliable sources relevant to the topic. The results of the study show that doomscrolling has a significant impact on the increased level of existential anxiety in college students, especially in terms of future uncertainty, loss of meaning in life, and increased feelings of isolation. This anxiety has the potential to interfere with concentration, motivation to learn, and overall mental health, ultimately hindering the educational process. This study also highlights the importance of the role of educational institutions in providing digital literacy and adequate psychological support to equip students with the ability to face the challenges of the digital era in a healthy and adaptive manner. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for education policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners in designing holistic and preventive strategies