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Doomerism: How the Internet’s Fear of the Future is Affecting Mental Health
Lately, when I hear what’s going on in the world, I’m overcome with dread and anxiety. There always seems to be another war, more casualties, worsening climate conditions and fears about artificial intelligence or politics. That impending doom people feel when watching, reading or listening to the gloomier news of the day is a frequent occurrence nowadays. But rather than calling it anxiety, internet influencers have dubbed it doomerism.
Seventy percent of adults said that they were anxious about current events, according to the American Psychiatric Association’s annual mental health poll, which was published in May. Millennials and below, but especially Gen Z, are feeling the effects of climate change, political instability and cynicism over politics and environmental efforts.
Consuming too much information can lead to stress, fatigue and exhaustion, according to a 2021 study. Not only does this information overload elevate feelings of uncertainty or in this case doom, but it can cause negative emotions and depressive symptoms. Online sources have described climate change as catastrophic, rapid, urgent, irreversible and chaotic. These terms are used to emphasize concern about the climate crisis, but they also contribute to readers feeling helpless and overwhelmed when assessing their position on the issue.
Social media messaging and gloomy news coverage can cause feelings of doom, according to a 2008 study. Individuals who are regularly exposed to content about global warming or climate change have reported stronger feelings of inefficacy or the inability to contribute to a desired goal.
The most effective way to manage symptoms of impending doom is to focus on creating and following specific short-term goals rather than broad future goals. Doing so can drive individuals to look for solutions, according to a 2023 study. Being able to have positive or optimistic expectations about the future, even if it’s only concerning the near future, can act as a coping mechanism and lead to physical longevity and emotional adjustment. It’s also good to try to identify social connections. These people can become potential models to guide you toward your goals, especially if those goals are something that they’ve already achieved.
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