ReThinking
How to stop doom scrolling — and have a better experience online with Jay Van Bavel
Sep 10, 2024
Jay Van Bavel, an award-winning professor of psychology and neural science at NYU, dives into the psychology behind doom scrolling. He explains why negative news grabs our attention and how social media algorithms amplify this effect. Van Bavel offers strategies to promote positive online experiences and discusses the importance of finding common ground to combat division. He shares insights on bridging generational divides and the nuances of patriotism versus nationalism, all while emphasizing the need for inclusivity and cooperation.
33:56
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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