Doomscrolling at work wastes time, but the real cost is what happens after
Whether on lunch break or on the clock, many employees scroll through the news and social media during the workday. Researchers found that employees who "doomscroll" at work suffer hidden costs that extend beyond lost productivity.
The study, conducted by Dr. Ian Hughes of Texas A&M University, reveals that employees who engage in 'doomscrolling' at work experience hidden costs beyond lost productivity. Doomscrolling, defined as the compulsive consumption of negative news or distressing social media content, leads to employees becoming trapped in a cycle of rumination about the information they've consumed.
This persistent focus on negative stories reduces their work engagement. The research, published in Computers in Human Behavior, found that doomscrolling is a growing issue, particularly among individuals aged 18 to 35. While it's often dismissed as a mere productivity problem, the consequences extend beyond the time spent on screens.
The study indicates that employees are more likely to ruminate on the negative content they encounter, which in turn contributes to lower work engagement. This effect is especially pronounced in individuals with higher levels of neuroticism, a personality trait associated with anxiety and worry. Doomscrolling can be a difficult habit to break, as people often use social media to cope with anxiety during uncertain times.
However, the researchers caution against implementing strict bans on phones or social media in the workplace, suggesting instead that setting boundaries around the behavior can help mitigate its negative impact.
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