Why Your Brain Loves Doomscrolling: Research Reveals How Social Media Fuels Engagement in Anxious Minds

Why does doomscrolling feel so addictive? A 2024 fMRI study in Computers in Human Behavior reveals that negative social media content triggers dopamine in anxious brains, creating a compelling cycle of engagement. This article explores how algorithms amplify this behavior, the mental health impacts, and practical strategies like mindfulness and feed curation to regain control.