A Study on Doom Scrolling Behavior and Its Correlation with Personality types and Psychological Distress GenZ College Students

Abstract

Doomscrolling is the compulsive act of endlessly scrolling through negative or distressing news on social media, often leading to heightened anxiety or stress. The current research investigates the relationship between internet Doom scrolling habits, personality types, and psychological Distress. A correlational study was conducted using a sample of 30 participants to examine the connections between variables. However, the findings reveal a negative correlation between doom scrolling and psychological distress. Neuroticism was positively correlated with psychological distress (r = 0.302), further supporting its role as a personality trait associated with psychological distress. In addition to these primary variables, exploratory analyses examined correlations between doom scrolling and other personality dimensions, including agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. Notably, agreeableness was positively associated with doom scrolling (r = 0.32). These findings demonstrate the interconnectedness of personality, behavior, and mental health. While doom scrolling appears to be a risk factor for psychological distress, its interaction with neuroticism may vary, necessitating further research to understand underlying mechanisms. This study highlights the importance of promoting healthy digital habits and developing interventions to mitigate the negative psychological impacts of excessive news consumption in the digital age.