Is doomscrolling reshaping young brains?

Doomscrolling is shrinking attention spans, rewiring young brains, and quietly damaging mental and physical health, writes Dr Raveesh Sunkara.

You open your phone for a glance at the news, and 20 minutes later, you’re deep into an endless stream of Instagram reels, TikTok Shorts, or YouTube snippets — none of which you intended to watch. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The phenomenon of ‘doomscrolling’ has quietly become a defining habit of our digital age, especially among Gen Z. But what seems like harmless scrolling may be reshaping young brains in real and alarming ways.

What is doomscrolling?

Doomscrolling refers to the compulsive consumption of digital content, particularly short-form videos and updates, without a clear purpose. Unlike searching for a recipe or reading an article, this type of browsing lacks a defined goal. In India, apps like Instagram and YouTube fuel this habit by offering a never-ending stream of bite-sized entertainment engineered to hold your attention. On average, young people today spend nearly five hours daily on such content, according to emerging studies. The catch? Attention spans have shrunk to as little as 3–4 seconds. That’s not just behavioural change — it’s neurological rewiring.

Effect on the brain

So, what’s happening inside your head? Neuroscience shows that short videos trigger the brain’s dopamine reward system — the same mechanism involved in addiction. Every swipe gives a dopamine hit, training your brain to crave the next scroll. Functional MRI studies confirm this feedback loop. But it doesn’t end there.

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, attention, and impulse control, starts to fatigue. Over time, activities that don’t offer instant gratification, like reading or studying, become less appealing.

Mental & physical fallout

Doomscrolling isn’t just a harmless habit; it has serious mental and physical consequences. The mental health impacts include:

• Sleep disturbances: Blue light and emotionally stimulating content delay melatonin production, keeping the brain alert past bedtime.
• Anxiety & mood swings: Constant switching between posts causes emotional exhaustion and restlessness.
• Memory lapses & mental fatigue: Continuous input disrupts memory processing, leading to forgetfulness and poor concentration.
• Reduced attention span: Difficulty in focusing on tasks, reading, or even holding conversations.

The impact on physical health includes:

• Neck stiffness & headaches: Constantly looking down at screens strains the neck and eyes, causing discomfort and pain.
• Lifestyle diseases: Prolonged sitting, poor sleep, and mindless snacking during screen time can lead to weight gain, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
• Blood sugar issues: Emerging research links excessive screen time to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of pre-diabetes among young users. Simply put, this habit is quietly altering how your body and brain function.

The way out

Fortunately, there are steps to counteract the effects:

• Digital detox: Taking intentional breaks can restore brain chemistry and reconnect you with real-world joy.
• Cognitive exercises: Reading books, solving puzzles, and playing memory games can help rebuild focus.
• Mindful screen use: Set daily limits and track your social media time using dedicated apps.
• Curated content: Follow creators aligned with your interests — be it science, fitness, or art — to add purpose to your online time.

The bigger picture

Tech companies thrive on your attention. Every scroll, click, and view feeds billion-dollar algorithms. In this economy, your attention span is a commodity. It’s time to reclaim control. If you or your child is experiencing issues like sleep problems, anxiety, forgetfulness, or fatigue, don’t dismiss them. These could be signs of deeper neurological or psychological strain. When in doubt, consult a specialist. Your brain is too important to risk, especially to the next scroll. 

(The author is a senior consultant in neurosurgery.)