Scrolling through endless feeds of TikTok, Instagram reels or YouTube shorts feels harmless at first, just a quick escape from boredom or stress. But for many students, what starts as a brief distraction often spirals into hours of lost time, leaving them drained, stressed and wondering where the day went.
This modern phenomenon, dubbed “doomscrolling,” isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a trap that impacts mental health, productivity and even sleep. Social media platforms are engineered to keep users hooked: endless feeds, autoplay and algorithms that prioritize eye-catching drama over mundane updates make it nearly impossible to pause. For students already juggling school work and extracurriculars, this design creates a perfect storm of distraction.
“Doomscrolling is when you’re stuck scrolling through social media for way too long, even if nothing’s that interesting,” said junior Avanthika Arul. “You just can’t stop, even though you know you should.”
Many teens brush it off as a harmless time-killer. But as hours go by, they eventually realize how deeply it has impacted their ability to complete tasks.
“I’d tell myself, ‘It’s just for a minute,’ and suddenly it’s two hours later,” Arul said. “I’d done literally nothing.”
The problem isn’t just willpower. Apps exploit brain chemistry, rewarding users with dopamine hits for every swipe or like. Over time, this conditions the brain to crave constant stimulation, making it harder to focus on slower, less flashy tasks like homework or chores.
“I’d ignore homework, then rush to finish it later,” said senior Daniel Choi. “It felt good in the moment, but afterward, I’d feel like I’d wasted so much time.”
The habit of being stuck in the trap that many social media platforms have is described as “autopilot for your thumbs.” Constantly scrolling through social media cannot only distract a student from completing their work but it can also deplete their mood and mental health.
“It’s usually negative stuff, comparisons, and bad news that drags you down,” said junior Divya Laddha.
The consequences extend so much further. For many, procrastination fueled by scrolling creates a cycle of stress and guilt. Late-night scrolling compounds the issue; blue light from screens disrupts sleep cycles, leaving students exhausted the next day. Over time, this cycle can erode self-esteem, as hours spent comparing highlight reels of others’ lives chip away at confidence.
“I’d scroll in bed when I couldn’t fall asleep, which just made me more restless,” Arul said.
The solution isn’t one-size-fits-all, but each student found strategies that worked. Sometimes, taking a direct and practical step could be the winning move, like deleting the apps entirely or merely setting limits.
“I set time limits on apps and keep my phone away when I’m studying,” Laddha said. “Picking up a book or going for a walk helps reset my focus.”
Other times, it could be redirecting scrolling energy into something else.
“Working on art and making a comic gave me a better distraction,” Choi said.
The key lies in replacing passive consumption with active engagement. Hobbies, exercise or even household tasks force the brain to focus on the present, breaking the trance of endless scrolling.
For students, drowning in endless feeds, the message is clear: doomscrolling doesn’t have to be inevitable. By recognizing the traps and taking proactive steps, it’s possible to scroll smarter and live better.
