A functional analysis of doomscrolling
2025-02-21
Introduction
Doomscrolling can be defined as the persistent engagement with negative online content despite its aversive effects.
Contingencies of reinforcement
Positive reinforcement
First of all, doomscrolling is likely to be reinforced through encountering novel or significant information once in a while. In this respect, the Doomscroller is on a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule. This is one of the most effective and treacherous amplification plans, which also underlies slot machines, for example.
Although it is, theoretically, possible using any website that regularly updates its content and includes the latest news, doomscrolling is mainly done on social media apps. Likes, shares and interactions or discussions with others engaging in similar behavior constitute social reinforcement.
Negative reinforcement
Doomscrolling allows the user to escape from aversive events like work stress or boredom. In the context of developing events (like pandemics, wars or natural disasters), it provides temporary relief from uncertainty about the event of interest.
Punishment and extinction
Doomscrolling may be punished by highly distressing content (e.g., depictions of civilian deaths after a terrorist attack). Over time, some reinforcing aspects like seeking novel information might lose its value. However, reinforcement and avoidance contingencies seem to be stronger.
Behavioral deficits due to doomscrolling
As screen time increases, engagement in social, physical and otherwise productive behaviors decreases. It prevents alternative activities that might otherwise lead to desirable outcomes for the user, like exercise or the pursuit of hobbies. Social interactions become less frequent as doomscrolling uses up time.
Escape and avoidance responses
Users post complaints, warnings and negative observations online, often without achieving an effective response. Skinner called this form of verbal behavior "extended mands".
It is also likely that the perceived uncertainty about the future (e.g., politics, economy, climate change) gets established as something that reliably precedes an aversive stimulus (behavior analysts call this a "pre-aversive stimulus"). This, in turn, will lead to increased checking behavior. Thus, similar to the avoidance-driven component, checking behavior is getting more likely.
Competing reinforcers
Those interested in reducing doomscrolling behavior should introduce alternative sources of reinforcement that compete with doomscrolling. This is different from functions that social media apps themselves offer (shutdowns after 15 minutes of scrolling, etc.) and also different from suppressing the behavior. However, introducing structured internet use is a good idea, so that the user does not remain on an unrestricted variable-ratio reinforcement schedule.
Structured social interaction
An effective competing reinforcer would be structured social interaction. This is something doomscrolling normally prevents. Introducing structured offline or controlled online social interactions (planned meetups, time-limited online discussions) can provide reinforcement that competes with doomscrolling.
Getting active
Physical activity is another alternative. Of course, sports come to mind and are among the most effective competing reinforcers. But even brisk walks in a stimulating environment are a good idea. Contingency shaping can be used, for example the user might set up a rule allowing access to news or social media only after physical activity.
An example would be: "10 minutes of reading news after 30 minutes of walking". This changes the reinforcement pattern from continuous online activity to a contingent reward system. It will also gradually shift the balance of reinforcement because 30 minutes of walking are likely to compete strongly with only ten minutes of scrolling.
Scheduled novelty seeking
Instead of doomscrolling, a scheduled information seeking routine can be interoduced. Here, news and updates come in a predictiable manner. This can be achieved by restricting news consumption to fixed times per day. Scrolling and updating can be replaced with subscribing to structured news digests that summarize key events from an extended period of time. This can even be achieved by subscribing to a weekly newspaper. In fact, using offline sources will be the most effective way here.
Side note: I recently learned about the offpunk browser for the small internet. Interestingly, this browser offers a way to browse gemini/goper sites that is very compatible with this intervention.
Differential reinforcement of substitutes
Setting up a self-monitoring system where each instance of doing something else than doomscrolling is immediately rewarded with something tangible (listening to music, a snack you like, etc.). Substitutes can include hobbies that require prolonged engagement, like writing, cooking or gardening.
Schedule adjustments
These steps will modify the reinforcement schedule directly and lead to reduced doomscrolling.
The first strategy here would be to increase the response effort. This can be as simple as emoving social media/news apps from the home screen of your phone or your bookmarks. There is also an app that introduces a small time delay before opening certain apps:
Requiring an alternative behavior (standing up, stretching) will also work.
Since doomscrolling operates on a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule - it is unpredictable whether a reinforcement occurs - it makes sense to replace it with a fixed-interval schedule. This can be achieved by scheduling news updates for fixed times (at 8am and 8pm only). This can also be thinned out gradually.
Broader implications
Doomscrolling as an avoidance-based pattern
Doomscrolling is a shift from active problem-solving to passive avoidance of aversive events. As discussed previously, reducing doomscrolling behavior can be achieved by promoting active engagement rather than avodiance through endless scrolling. Active engagement can be achieved by, for example, writing down an action plan related to distressing news rather than just consuming them.
Doomscrolling is not very rewarding right after doing it, but it is reinforced by alleviating distress for a short amount of time. Training to tolerate distressing emotions, for example by exposure, could be effective. For example, simply observing distressing news instead of engaging with them by liking or sharing, could be a start.
A structured therapy program would consist of these three steps that were described previously:
1. Conduct a functional assessment of specific reinforcement patterns of the individual.
2. Introduce competing reinforcers tailored to this reinforcement strategy.
3. Modify environmental contingencies to increase response effort.