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Rage Scrolling

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Yes, it is a real term people use in 2024. Yes, it is related to digital wellness, digital addictions, etc.[2][3]
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Nov 12, 2024 09:56 PM
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Home → Digital Wellness Glossary → Rage Scrolling

Rage Scrolling

[reyj skroh-ling]

What Is Rage Scrolling?

Rage scrolling is the compulsive act of scrolling through negative, frustrating, or infuriating content online despite knowing it's causing emotional distress. It's like being unable to look away from a car crash, but with social media and news feeds.

Word Origins:

The term combines "rage" (intense anger) with "scrolling" (moving through digital content). It gained prominence during the 2020 pandemic when people spent increased time consuming negative news online. The phrase became widely used on Twitter and other social platforms to describe this self-destructive digital behavior.

Impact on Mental Health

Rage scrolling triggers the stress hormone cortisol while keeping you in a state of fight-or-flight response. This can lead to anxiety, sleep problems, and emotional exhaustion. The more angry or upset you get, the more likely you are to continue scrolling, creating a negative feedback loop.

Breaking the Cycle

To stop rage scrolling, set specific time limits for news and social media consumption. Use app limits and focus mode features on your devices. Consider unfollowing triggering accounts and replacing negative content with uplifting or neutral alternatives. Practice stepping away when you notice emotional distress.