6 Minute English - Doom-Scrolling

Introduction

• Hosts: Sam and Neil
• Topic: Doom-scrolling - spending excessive time reading negative news on screens.
• Personal admission: Neil occasionally doom-scrolls.

Research Findings

• Research from the University of California: Doom-scrolling is a global phenomenon, transcending cultures.
• Possible evolutionary reasons for attraction to bad news.

Question of the Day

• Question: What is the top global news story of 2023 according to Reuters?
  • A. War in Ukraine
  • B. Increasing prices and inflation
  • C. Prince Harry's autobiography
• Neil's Guess: B. Inflation (correct answer revealed later).

Understanding Doom-Scrolling

• Doom-scrolling Definition: Seeking out negative news, often leading to feelings of discomfort ("ick").
• Ella Alshamahi (Anthropologist) discusses how human evolution may influence doom-scrolling behavior.

Evolutionary Perspective

• Cave-dwelling ancestors paid attention to dangers for survival (negativity bias).
• Modern access to constant bad news from around the world is unprecedented.
• Clara Amfo's Insight: In the past, bad news was localized; now, bad news is global.

Psychological Impact

• The prevalence of bad news can lead to depression.
• Society romanticizes negative experiences: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
• Conditioning: Negative events are seen as more formative than positive ones.

Vocabulary Recap

• Feeling ick: Slang for feeling sick due to disturbing content.
• On tap: Easily available news anytime.
• Make up for something: Compensate for something negative with something positive.
• Romanticize: Present something in a way that exaggerates its positive aspects.
• What doesn't kill you makes you stronger: Difficult experiences build resilience.

Conclusion

• Doom-scrolling can be a challenge to avoid due to constant negative news influx.
• Top News Story of 2023: B. Inflation.
• Encouragement to seek positive news and improve vocabulary through BBC Learning English resources.

---

• Note: Additional resources include language in news headlines, news review videos, and podcasts.