The Algorithm of Anguish: Examining Doomscrolling and Gen-Z Mental Health

Abstract

The present research explored the association between doomscrolling, and mental health problems in Gen-Z. In this correlational and cross-sectional research, data (N=250) was collected from students of both private and public universities by using purposive and quota sampling technique. The sample included equal number of males, and females (125 each) with age range of 18-25 years. The data collection protocol included permission letter, consent form, demographic sheet, Doomscrolling Scale (DS; Sharma et al., 2022), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS-21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). IBM-SPSS statistics was used to run the statistical analysis. Correlation analysis showed doomscrolling to have a significant positive moderate relationship (0.27^**) with mental health problems. Regression analysis depicted doomscrolling to be a significant positive predictor of mental health problems in Gen-Z. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts and the effectiveness of digital literacy programs as a preventive approach.