Sometimes, the impulse to consume negative news can be difficult to resist. "We are evolutionarily wired to screen for and anticipate danger, which is why keeping our fingers on the pulse of bad news may trick us into feeling more prepared," says Cecille Ahrens, clinical director of Transcend Therapy in San Diego, California.

Following the news may be necessary to stay informed, especially during a crisis but according to Ahrens, the feelings of fear, sadness, and anger triggered by negative headlines can keep people stuck in a "pattern of frequent monitoring," leading to worse mood and more anxious scrolling (doomscrolling).

Ddoomscrolling can take a toll on mental health. Studies have linked the consumption of bad news to increased distress, anxiety, and depression, even when the news in question is relatively mundane.

Graham Davey, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Sussex, says exposure to bad news can make personal worries seem worse and even cause acute stress reactions and some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder that can be quite long-lasting.

The root of our interest in bad news may be the result of feeling vulnerable or helpless or overwhelmed.

"Let's say you are feeling stressed out at work and you disengage from your tasks to pick up your phone and doomscroll. Once you catch that compulsive behavior, check in with yourself and ask what it is you are thinking and feeling,” says Megan E. Johnson, a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in trauma and brain-behavior relationships.

"Once you understand your need, then you can find a realistic and appropriate way to get that need met, rather than compulsively turning to doomscrolling."

Turning to your phone might just distance you from the colleagues and friends and family who could help.

"All it will do is temporarily distract you from your uncomfortable emotion," Johnson adds. "But those unpleasant feelings are there for a reason, and they communicate to us our needs, so we cannot just silence them with distractions. Once you become aware that what you actually need is support, then maybe you can reach out to a colleague and delegate some tasks.”

"We believe that if we have all the facts, we can make better decisions and protect ourselves from danger," Johnson says.

"This illusion of control and safety is a fallacy, though. There is a never-ending supply of information to consume, so we never feel like we have all the information—because we don't, and we can't."

Given that avoidance might not be practical, experts suggest these three ways to make your experience on the internet more positive:

• Be mindful of what you consume on social media. If you log on to connect with other people, focus on the personal news and photos shared instead of the latest headlines;
• Seek out the content that makes you happy to balance out your newsfeed. This may be images of cute kittens, beautiful landscapes, drool-worthy food videos, or something else. You could even follow a social media account dedicated to sharing only happy and positive news;
• Use social media to promote positivity and kindness. Sharing good things that are happening in your life can improve your mood, and your positive mood can spread to others. You may also like to compliment others on social media. While this might sound awkward, people will appreciate it more than you think.