Doomscrolling & Dopamine Looping

Doomscrolling is when someone gets stuck in a cycle of endlessly scrolling through news or social media — often focused on negative, alarming, or emotionally charged content. Dopamine looping is a broader term for getting caught in a repetitive cycle of refreshing, checking, or switching apps in search of stimulation.

These patterns are common in the modern world, but they can feel especially sticky for neurodivergent people — particularly those with ADHD traits, sensory sensitivities, or emotional intensity.

Doomscrolling and dopamine loops can:

• Create a short-term sense of control or comfort
• Provide stimulation when the brain feels underactive or flat
• Offer distraction from overwhelm, boredom, or uncertainty
• Temporarily soothe anxiety by “checking for updates” or “just one more scroll”

These habits aren’t about lack of willpower — they often meet a genuine need for input, predictability, or emotional release. But over time, they can also contribute to mental fatigue, emotional burnout, or difficulty focusing elsewhere.

Recognising these patterns isn’t about blame. It’s about noticing what your brain might be asking for — and gently exploring other ways to meet those needs if the loop stops feeling helpful.