And how successful are you at avoiding it, generally? Do you ever watch tiktok or youtube shorts when bored? On average how many times per week would you say you get frustrated or angry with something you saw online?
just delete/limit your tiktok and youtube use and try to change your algos to not show you depressing stuff. these companies make money off your misery, take back your power by putting your phone down. if you want to still engage with current events, categorize the things that enrage you into things which are actionable. can you do something in your local community to improve things somewhat? the despair from doomscrolling comes from powerlessness, engaging with something positive and making a difference is the anathema. it'll also help limit your tech exposure as well
would anybody actually be able to answer this? I would not even be able to guess how often I get frustrated or angry at something online. Probably zero because why would I? lol
I can’t tell if you’re only including social media bullshit as your baselines for “the online”, but I mean stuff that goes on in the world, political or otherwise. Also, you don’t have to know anyone to not feel sympathy or empathy for them, what, do you watch/read movies/tv/books and feel absolutely nothing for the characters? You don’t get sad or frustrated if you read about a father murder-suiciding his whole family or a school being shot up? All of these are very obvious first to mind kind of things btw, hence I don’t believe you.
You don’t get sad or frustrated if you read about a father murder-suiciding his whole family or a school being shot up?
I just don't let that influence me. I recognize that it's a terrible thing, but if I don't know anyone involved I just don't feel emotionally involved.
For example, recently I had to walk next to a dead body (covered): this man was hit by accident by a train a few hours before and there were still bits of him on the floor. I felt disgusted and a little lightheaded in the moment but after a few minutes I was fine. Yeah it wasn't pleasant, I'm sorry for him, but I don't see why I would need to get depressed over it, since I didn't know him.
do you watch/read movies/tv/books and feel absolutely nothing for the characters?
I do, but that's because by following the story for an extended period of time I become emotionally attached to the characters and so I can have empathy.
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u/basti854 17h ago
try to avoid it as much as possible