Dr Aaron Balick in GQ: This is how I managed to finally stop doomscrolling
Psychotherapist Dr Aaron Balick admits that even his professional knowledge of social media's psychological tricks couldn't stop him from a multi-day doomscrolling spiral during a bad news cycle. His key insight: he wasn't seeking catastrophe but reassurance — what he calls "hopescrolling."
Social media exploits this by rationing hope just enough to keep you scrolling, mirroring addiction patterns seen in therapy. His solution is to be honest about what you're actually looking for, then find it in the right places — real-world connection, community, and action — where fleeting digital hope can become something more lasting and meaningful.