The Psychological Impact of Doomscrolling: Examining Anxiety, Sleep Disturbances, and Cognitive Fatigue Among College Students

Abstract

Doomscrolling, the compulsive consumption of negative online news and social media content, has emerged as a prominent behavioural pattern among college students worldwide. This article examines the psychological consequences of doomscrolling, with particular focus on anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive fatigue in young adult populations. Drawing on a systematic synthesis of psychological literature published between 2018 and 2025, the study integrates findings from cognitive psychology, sleep science, and digital media research. The analysis reveals that habitual doomscrolling is associated with elevated state anxiety, intrusive negative thinking, and a heightened threat-vigilance cognitive style. Sleep research consistently demonstrates that pre-bedtime exposure to distressing news content disrupts sleep architecture, reduces total sleep time, and impairs sleep quality. Cognitive fatigue manifests through reduced attention span, impaired working memory, and difficulty with sustained academic concentration. The study draws on theoretical frameworks including negativity bias, the variable reward schedule of social media, and Bandura’s social cognitive theory to interpret these findings. Several moderating factors, including pre-existing mental health vulnerability, social comparison tendencies, and sleep hygiene practices, shape individual susceptibility. The article concludes that doomscrolling represents a significant public mental health concern for the college-going population, calling for evidence-based interventions including digital literacy education, university wellness programmes, and individual self-regulation strategies. Implications for clinical practice and university policy are discussed.