Delegated Interfaces
Anti-Doomscroll
Brands and designers are launching initiatives to help consumers stay positive.
Trend
What is the Anti-Doomscroll trend?
Anti-Doomscroll: "Doomscrolling" is a psychological phenomenon where users scroll through bad news headlines on the Internet, even though the stories are creating unhealthy feelings. This term returned to popularity during COVID-19 and the global anti-racism movement. In response, new initiatives are raising awareness to counter the harmful doomscrolling habit with mindfulness and boundaries.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Anti-Doomscroll trend
Thanks to the Internet, consumers can gain awareness of what is happening in the world at any given moment. As such, many individuals are seeking out information daily to educate themselves on social, political, and economic topics. For many, the act of being "always-on" creates negative feelings and contributes to burnout. As a result, consumers are looking for ways to strike a balance between their connected and offline selves. In prioritizing their mental health, individuals are able to remain happier and more motivated to contribute to problems with solutions.
Trend themes
Themes within the Anti-Doomscroll trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherAnti-Doomscrolling Awareness
Initiatives are raising awareness to counter the harmful doomscrolling habit with mindfulness and boundaries.
Tech Disconnection
'Goodbye Phone, Hello World' by Paul Greenberg offers healthy tips towards disconnecting and finding inner peace.
Limit-Setting Apps
The Moment app limits app usage through scheduling to prioritize user mental health.
Industry implications
What the Anti-Doomscroll trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookPublishing
Publishing industry can consider releasing more content for tech disconnection and overall mental health tips.
Tourism
Tourism industry can create more joyful travel experiences to promote mental health and inspire people towards adventures, even during a pandemic.
Social Media
Social media industry can support anti-doomscrolling awareness and help individuals find balance on their platforms.
Workshop question
How can your brand help consumers strike a balance between URL and IRL?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Anti-Doomscroll
Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 45%, freshness 9%.
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Evidence
Examples of the Anti-Doomscroll trend
4 featured examples from Jan 8 to Jan 16, 2021Limit-Setting Mobile Apps
The Moment Apps Prioritizes Consumer Mental Health Through Scheduling
The increasing demand for mobile apps that prioritize mental health, time management, and personalization create an opportunity for companies to develop innovative solutions in th…
Tech Disconnection Publications
'Goodbye Phone, Hello World' by Paul Greenberg Offers Healthy Tips
Opportunities exist to publish books, magazines, and online articles that promote healthy habits around technology use.
Anti-Doomscrolling Websites
The Endless Doomscroller Seeks to Engage People with Awareness
Companies specializing in tech products and services can develop disruptive innovation solutions to address mental health concerns associated with social media use.
Joyful Travel Websites
Inspired by Iceland Created a Site for the Opposite of "Doomscrolling"
Innovative tourism companies can offer virtual travel experiences and wellness-focused trips to meet the needs of travelers seeking safe and uplifting travel options during uncert…