Doomscrolling & Mental Health: How Social Media Hijacks Your Brain

Are you doomscrolling… or just staying informed?In this episode of Deciphering Growth, Tiffany Graves, LPCC-S, and Eric Stone explore the psychology behind doomscrolling — what it is, why it happens, and how today’s algorithms are designed to keep you engaged far longer than you intended.What starts as a quick check-in with the news or social media can quietly turn into emotional overload, nervous system activation, and hours lost in the scroll. And often, we don’t even notice the physiological stress response happening in our bodies.In this conversation, we unpack:• The clinical definition of doomscrolling• How algorithms, advertising, and parasocial relationships influence behavior• Why your nervous system reacts even when you think you’re “fine”• The connection between doomscrolling and process addiction• Trauma-informed concerns in digital spaces• Realistic digital boundaries (without going all-or-nothing)• How to evaluate whether social media is helping or harming your mental healthThis episode isn’t about demonizing technology. Social media can offer connection, community, and education. But without awareness and boundaries, it can also impact mood, anxiety levels, focus, and emotional regulation.If you’ve ever looked up from your phone feeling overwhelmed, tense, or unsure where the last hour went — this conversation is for you.🎧 Listen now and join us next week as we dive deeper into process addictions and behavioral patterns in the digital age.