Everyday News Analysis And Doomscrolling Is More Annoying Than Useful

Social media platforms, once seen as the future of open communication and democratic exchange, have become breeding grounds for negativity, hostility, and blame-shifting.

This is particularly true in the Indian context, where daily news analysis and doomscrolling have become annoying and downright harmful.

The recent surge in toxicity online is reflective of deeper societal frustrations. On social media, linguistic and regional divides have taken centre stage, with Hindi and Kannada speakers clashing in ugly exchanges.

What should be a celebration of India’s linguistic diversity has instead turned into a platform for vitriol. This linguistic animosity is only a microcosm of the larger, more pervasive discontent that characterises much of the online discourse in India today.

Political discussions have become increasingly polarised, with opposition parties seizing every opportunity to criticise the government. The budget announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which many in the middle class found disappointing, has only added fuel to the fire.

Flyovers are falling down, airport infrastructure is crumbling, trains are overcrowded and roads are pothole-ridden.

People are frustrated, and it's quite understandable.

They want better infrastructure, visionary leadership, and tangible growth. But what they see instead is a constant barrage of negativity — accusations flying across party lines, social media feeds filled with doomsday predictions, and endless criticism that seems to offer no constructive solutions.

Doomscrolling — the act of endlessly scrolling through bad news — has become a common habit. While it might seem like staying informed, it’s actually just feeding a cycle of anxiety, stress, and pessimism.

The rise of blame culture in this environment is particularly troubling. When people are constantly bombarded with negativity, it becomes easy for them to find someone or something to blame for their personal or societal issues.

The government is blamed for inadequate infrastructure, political parties are blamed for corruption, and regional differences are blamed for societal tensions. While it’s true that these issues are real and deserve attention, the tendency to focus solely on blame only deepens feelings of helplessness and frustration.

What’s needed now, more than ever, is a sense of balance. It’s important to recognise that while the government and other institutions have flaws, change is often slow and requires sustained effort.

Constant negativity does not foster progress, instead, it perpetuates a cycle of disillusionment and inaction. Constructive criticism is essential for any democracy, but it must be paired with a willingness to engage in solutions and a recognition that progress, however slow, is still progress.

Moreover, individuals must take responsibility for their own mental well-being. This means stepping back from the relentless cycle of negativity that dominates online spaces.

It’s okay to limit exposure to toxic content, unfollow accounts that spread nothing but doom and gloom, and take time for self-care. Mental health is just as important as staying informed, and finding a balance between the two is crucial.

At the end of the day, the world is far from perfect, and many challenges need to be addressed. But predicting a doomsday scenario does not help anyone. The government will continue to govern, we will continue to pay taxes, and some things may improve while others may not.

However, the one thing we have control over is our mental health. By not giving in to the social pressure of finding someone to blame for our miseries, we can begin to focus on what truly matters — personal growth, constructive dialogue, and the pursuit of a better future.

Daily news analysis and doomscrolling may seem like a way to stay connected to the world, but in reality, they often do more harm than good.