Scientists have issued a stark warning: passive scrolling- commonly known as doomscrolling- is having a severe impact on teenage mental health. Adolescents glued to screens for more than two hours a day showed significant increases in anxiety, depression, and impulsivity.
While doomscrolling might seem like harmless downtime, researchers say it’s anything but. The habit of endlessly consuming negative or emotionally charged content without interacting- just scrolling- has been linked to lasting effects on brain function and emotional well-being.
“This is really surprising,” said Professor Duerden. “Before COVID-19, adolescent anxiety rates were between 8 and 15 percent. Now, nearly half the teens in our sample report heightened anxiety, which is alarming.”
A silent crisis, fuelled by screens
The study didn’t just measure screen time, it tracked how teens were using their screens. Active engagement (chatting, posting, interacting) had far less negative impact than passive scrolling. It was doomscrolling- hours spent consuming content in silence- that showed the most damaging results.
Worryingly, nearly half of those affected needed medical evaluation, despite having no prior mental health issues.
This research lands amid a broader mental health crisis: NHS data shows that over 20% of children aged 8 to 16 in the UK had a probable mental health disorder in 2023, up from 13% in 2017.
Adolescence and attention in crisis
“Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, particularly in areas that control emotion and impulse,” said Duerden. “In past studies, we’ve seen teens report as much as 15 hours of screen time daily. They wake up, get on a screen, and stay there all day.”
While limiting screen time to under two hours and encouraging physical activity are proven protective measures, researchers acknowledge that change won’t be easy.
Beyond the personal risks, doomscrolling also signals a cultural shift. Designed for constant engagement, digital platforms feed endless streams of emotionally charged content, while teens pay the price in increased anxiety, aggression, and disconnection.
As doomscrolling becomes a daily ritual, experts say it’s time to rethink what we consider “normal” digital behaviour, and how we can protect younger generations from the cost.
Also read: EU HealthMins discuss mental health, medicine security in Warsaw
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