How to Combat Doomscrolling

In today’s hyper-connected world, doomscrolling—endlessly consuming negative news online—is leaving many feeling anxious, fearful, and spiritually drained. This article explores the mental, emotional, and spiritual impact of doomscrolling and offers biblical strategies to restore peace, balance, and hope.

A growing concern in America and around the world is depression caused by too much exposure to negative social media. This is especially true considering the today’s society. This has affected mental health and contributed to what is known as “crisis fatigue.” Doom scrolling is a term to describe the practice of consuming substantial amounts of doom-and-gloom news.

While it is wise to stay updated on current news, weather conditions, and other resources that may be available online, it is also prudent to limit exposure to overly negative news and opinions. Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished” (NKJV).

Dr. Carla Marie Manly writes on the mental health effects of “doom scrolling” on the American Psychological Association Facebook page: “Many people think that they’ll feel safer by staying abreast of the latest news. Yet, they don’t realize that consumption of the negative news only leads to greater fear, anxiety, and stress.”

Breaking Free from Doomscrolling: Biblical Steps to Find Peace

So how are we to unburden ourselves from the avalanche of endless information?

Some choose to make one day technology-free per week, where they unplug, get into nature, meditate on God’s Word, and worship, sing, and dance. Others take a longer break from news and social media. Some biblical examples of getting away from the grind are:

• Isaac took time to meditate after his mother, Sarah, died. “Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening” (Genesis 24:63a).
• Jesus took time away by himself to be with his Father.
• Solomon recognized the spiritual and health benefits of encouraging oneself in the Lord can have. “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20-22).
• Paul knew praise and gratitude lighten the spirit and our mood. “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

Finding Joy and Connection Beyond the Screen

Taking the time to enjoy meaningful conversations with family by playing a board game or participating in an outdoor activity together can be refreshing to our spirit. We belong to one another as parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).

This isn’t a false optimism born of an “Everything is Great!” mentality when you are on the equivalent of the Titanic. It is a knowing in ourselves that our heavenly Father has not surrendered His sovereignty to anyone. He sees you, and wants you to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Friends, there is always going to be something we can be genuinely outraged at, but the Bible says in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

Walking in a balanced way regarding media consumption doesn’t have to mean becoming a hermit or leaving all technology behind. In fact, we have been so elated that through media before this year ends, over 2 million people will have self-identified as new believers through the outreaches of Inspiration Ministries!

So, enjoy whatever unplugging you and your heavenly Father decide is best for a time. We will be here reaching the lost and equipping believers around the world when you return.

The following verses offer perspective.

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”
1 Corinthians 10:23

“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.” 
Psalm 101:3

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.”
2 Timothy 2:23

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