Why Endlessly Seeking Bad News Feels So Gratifying and How to Break the Habit
The Intricacies of Our Brain's Default Mode Network
Our human brains are always active and active even when we're not preoccupied with a specific task. Our brains often turn to what's known as the default mode network, which is the part responsible for our self-referential thoughts and constant internal monologue. This constant mental chatter can sometimes become overwhelming or even unhappy, leading us to seek out tasks or activities to keep our minds engaged.
Why Endlessly Scrolling Feels Gratifying
Endlessly scrolling for news items can serve as a powerful distraction, keeping our minds away from the wandering thoughts of the default mode network. However, this gratification is short-lived. Once a news item is found, whether it's horrifying or not, the brain experiences a burst of satisfaction from the act of searching.
Unfortunately, the brain's adaptability makes this a challenging habit to break. We grow used to the steady feed of news and eventually become desensitized to what we see. As a result, each new news item needs to be more exciting to create the same level of stimulation, similar to addictive behavior where we keep chasing the next high.
The Truth About News Media
While news media purports to bring us important information and a deeper understanding of world events, the reality is quite different. The curated content provided by news media often only scratches the surface of topics deemed interesting. If you genuinely want to gain knowledge and understanding, news media is not the go-to source. Instead, they serve to keep the population on a uniform page, with their desired narrative being the focus.
The Path to Breaking the Habit: Mindfulness and Meditation
I made the decision to stop this unhealthy habit over 15 years ago and eventually found a solution: meditation. An untrained mind can be overwhelmingly chaotic, making it difficult to maintain a consistent level of mental stimulation. Regular and formal meditation practice can help tame this chaos.
Meditation not only addresses the need for mental stimulation but is also a proven remedy for anxiety and boredom. It's important to note, however, that it's a lifelong path rather than a quick fix. To test your relationship with the habit of doom scrolling, try sitting on a park bench for ten minutes without your phone. If you find it difficult to stay seated or keep your phone in your pocket, mindfulness meditation may be a useful tool for you.