How to stop doom scrolling — and have a better experience online with Jay Van Bavel
Sep 10, 2024
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Jay Van Bavel, an award-winning psychology and neural science professor at NYU, tackles the psychological fallout of doom scrolling. He discusses how sensational negative news captures our attention and the importance of mindful online habits. Van Bavel shares insights from his book, advocating for uplifting content to combat anxiety among youth. The conversation also explores bridging generational divides and the duality of national identity, particularly at the Olympics, emphasizing unity while navigating tribalism.
Negative news dominates media engagement due to its emotional impact, leading to a cycle of increased negativity and divisiveness.
Curating social media feeds by prioritizing uplifting content significantly enhances well-being and fosters community connection and understanding.
Deep dives
The Impact of Negative News on Mental Health
The pervasive nature of negative news in today's media landscape contributes significantly to individuals' emotional well-being. Research indicates that headlines designed to invoke fear or anger are more successful in attracting clicks, leading to a cycle where media outlets prioritize such content for engagement metrics. This feeds into an attention economy that thrives on sensationalism, often overshadowing less dramatic but equally important stories. As a result, many people experience burnout from consuming constant negativity, prompting them to disengage from media consumption altogether.
Understanding Human Psychology and Engagement
Human psychology plays a crucial role in how news is consumed and shared, as individuals are evolutionarily wired to respond to threats. Negative events capture attention more effectively than positive ones due to their survival relevance, which is reflected in the high engagement rates of distressing news articles. Studies show that negative headlines outperform positive ones, with a significant increase in shares and interactions when content conveys outrage or distress. This reinforces the media's tendency to produce more of the same, thereby perpetuating a cycle of negativity.
The Role of Social Media Algorithms
Social media algorithms exacerbate the issue of negative news proliferation by prioritizing content that draws emotional reactions. Posts that elicit angry responses receive more visibility, encouraging users to share more polarizing content than positive narratives. This dynamic leads to a feedback loop where adverse information becomes prevalent, often drowning out constructive discourse. Ultimately, this elevation of negativity can harm societal cohesion, leading to a more divided public and a less informed citizenry.
Shifting Towards Positive Content Consumption
To combat the overwhelming negativity of online interactions, curating social media experiences is essential. By unfollowing polarizing accounts and following those that share uplifting content, users can foster a more positive and enriching online environment. Research shows that this simple act can lead to long-lasting improvements in mood and a reduction in partisanship. As individuals recognize the benefits of consuming constructive narratives, there is a growing demand for a focus on uplifting stories that inspire connection and pro-social behavior.
Jay Van Bavel is an award-winning professor of psychology and neural science at NYU — and he's an expert on the causes of and cures for division. Adam and Jay discuss the science of virality, why bad news often commands our attention, and how we can find common ground around more uplifting content. Jay's latest book, The Power of Us, is out now.