The Unhealthy Habit of Doomscrolling: How to Break the Cycle and Find Actionable News
As a junkie, you're likely hooked on the constant stream of outrage and incredulity that comes with President Donald Trump's second term. It's hard to resist the rush of righteous anger that headlines and "hero images" deliver, but it's also a surefire way to get sucked into a vortex of frustration and hopelessness.
The problem is that this cycle of doomscrolling is unlikely to change your mind or spark meaningful action. In fact, it can be downright corrosive. By constantly consuming news that confirms our worst fears, we risk losing touch with the real world and the people who matter most.
So, what's a recovering pack-a-day newshound to do? The first step is to filter out the toxic stuff: clickbait headlines, bot-driven engagement farming, and sensationalized reporting from outlets with questionable credibility. This will help you distinguish between genuine news and propaganda designed to elicit a reaction.
Next, seek out local news sources that focus on issues that matter to you, such as your city's newspapers, alt-weeklies, and TV stations. These outlets have learned to prioritize coverage of the problems that affect their communities, rather than sensationalized clickbait.
But the real payoff comes when you start engaging with these sources in meaningful ways. Attend local meetings, speak up at town hall events, and get involved in advocacy groups that align with your values. By doing so, you'll connect with people who share your concerns and work together to create positive change.
Of course, there will be setbacks and disappointments along the way. Even with the best intentions, progress can be slow. But by breaking free from the cycle of doomscrolling, you'll begin to feel a sense of agency and purpose that's hard to find in the virtual world.
So why not try it? Your city – or neighborhood, even – might just need someone like you to show up and make a difference.
As a junkie, you're likely hooked on the constant stream of outrage and incredulity that comes with President Donald Trump's second term. It's hard to resist the rush of righteous anger that headlines and "hero images" deliver, but it's also a surefire way to get sucked into a vortex of frustration and hopelessness.
The problem is that this cycle of doomscrolling is unlikely to change your mind or spark meaningful action. In fact, it can be downright corrosive. By constantly consuming news that confirms our worst fears, we risk losing touch with the real world and the people who matter most.
So, what's a recovering pack-a-day newshound to do? The first step is to filter out the toxic stuff: clickbait headlines, bot-driven engagement farming, and sensationalized reporting from outlets with questionable credibility. This will help you distinguish between genuine news and propaganda designed to elicit a reaction.
Next, seek out local news sources that focus on issues that matter to you, such as your city's newspapers, alt-weeklies, and TV stations. These outlets have learned to prioritize coverage of the problems that affect their communities, rather than sensationalized clickbait.
But the real payoff comes when you start engaging with these sources in meaningful ways. Attend local meetings, speak up at town hall events, and get involved in advocacy groups that align with your values. By doing so, you'll connect with people who share your concerns and work together to create positive change.
Of course, there will be setbacks and disappointments along the way. Even with the best intentions, progress can be slow. But by breaking free from the cycle of doomscrolling, you'll begin to feel a sense of agency and purpose that's hard to find in the virtual world.
So why not try it? Your city – or neighborhood, even – might just need someone like you to show up and make a difference.
I totally get it, doomscrolling is such a bummer 
. We've all been there, stuck in this endless cycle of outrage and frustration 
. But you're right, it's not going to change the world or make us feel any better about ourselves 
.
. And I love discovering local news sources that focus on issues close to home 
. It's amazing how many great stories are happening right under our noses! 
. We don't have to be experts or activists, just concerned citizens who want to make a difference 
. By working together, we can create positive change and start feeling like we're part of something bigger than ourselves 
.
. We just need to take a deep breath, put down our phones for a sec, and actually do something about the stuff that's got us fired up 
I mean dont get me wrong breaking free from doomscrolling is important but have you guys considered how hard it is to actually find quality news sources on here? its all about who has the most followers and engagement, not about actual journalism 
i swear if one more alt-weekly comes out with a clickbait headline im gonna lose it 
! It's like we're all stuck in some never-ending cycle of outrage and frustration, and honestly it's just exhausting 
.
.
. And then maybe, just maybe, we can start making some real change 
then get involved in ur community thru meetups, town halls, or advocacy groups 
. What about the people who can't make it or don't have the resources to participate? Shouldn't we be looking for more accessible ways to get involved and create positive change?
.