One way to beat the doom and gloom? Get involved in your community.

Constant bad news at the tip of your fingers.

Too much of a bad thing

It comes as no surprise to most of us that the phenomenon of “doomscrolling” continues to be a problem for many people, years after the term first gained popularity at the height of the COVID pandemic. Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, a Harvard University lecturer and researcher, says the behaviour of scouring the news and social media for endless bad news can easily lead to something called “popcorn brain” - where your brain feels like its popping due to overstimulation online. 

With social, political, and environmental conflicts raging throughout the world, what strategies can we be using to spare our precious brains from overpopping? And is there an effective way to remain aware but also avoid spiraling into a perpetual state of doom and gloom?

As a newly emerging behavior, doomscrolling has only been the subject of a small number of studies so far.

Research carried out by those like Dr. Nerurkar tells us that there are indeed very simple, practical steps one can take immediately to stave off the effects of doomscrolling, like setting limits to screen time, avoiding apps before bedtime, and turning off non-essential notifications. But one thing we find to be a surefire way to instantly feel more hopeful about the state of things is to get involved in your local community. 

Get involved locally (and don’t underestimate the impact that can have on a wider scale)

Is there a cause that gets you excited? Whether it’s homelessness, animal rights, mental health, or another worthy issue that motivates you, you’re bound to find a charity or organisation that could use your support. Volunteering time with likeminded individuals builds a sense of community, purpose, and can also help with symptoms of stress and anxiety. Seeing the impact of your engagement firsthand, as well as the hard work of those around you, is inspiring and an effective antidote to doomsday thinking. 

Two volunteers engaging in local community work.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the impact that local action can have on a wider scale. As a social business that works exclusively with charities, we’re exposed to many of the problems of the world on a daily basis. But we’re also exposed to solutions, and changemakers. We know that even the smallest acts of service can extend far beyond local borders.