Doomscrolling at work can cost you later

A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that employees who compulsively consume negative news, or "doomscroll," during work hours face hidden costs that go beyond lost productivity. Lead researcher Ian Hughes, an assistant professor in psychological and brain sciences, discovered that these employees are more likely to get stuck thinking about the distressing content they encountered.

This rumination leads to decreased work engagement, particularly among individuals with higher levels of neuroticism, a personality trait associated with anxiety and worry. While doomscrolling is often seen as a mere productivity issue, its consequences extend further as it hampers focus and concentration. Hughes explains that the habit is difficult to break since people often use social media to alleviate anxiety during uncertain times, such as pandemics or conflicts.

The problem lies in the continuous exposure to distressing content, which is hard to disengage from despite its negative impact. Modern workplaces, equipped with smartphones and constant access to social media, make it challenging for employees to avoid doomscrolling. Instead of implementing strict bans on phones or social media, Hughes suggests setting boundaries and containing doomscrolling to a specific physical location, such as home or a designated lounge, to minimize its negative effects on work engagement.