Compulsive Negative News Checking Test: Do You Doomscroll?

Is your thirst for information turning into a digital obsession?

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: March 19, 2026

In an era of instant global updates, many of us fall into the trap of "doomscrolling"—the compulsive habit of seeking out distressing headlines despite the emotional toll they take. While staying informed is important, an insatiable urge to consume negative content can lead to increased anxiety and a warped perception of reality. This assessment helps you identify whether your news consumption has transitioned from a healthy interest into a detrimental cycle.

If you find yourself constantly checking your phone for the latest crisis, you may also find value in exploring our Digital Hoarding Questionnaire or taking the Anxiety Sensitivity Test to see how these behaviors overlap.

Take The Doomscrolling Scale

For each statement, indicate how much you agree. For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I often experience a sense of panic while scrolling through my device.

2. I check my newsfeeds for negative updates without even realizing I'm doing it.

3. Even when my feed is up to date, I keep searching for more negative content.

4. I spend a significant amount of time continuously browsing through bad news.

5. One of the first things I do in the morning is check for negative news stories.

6. It feels as though I have developed an addiction to consuming bad news.

7. I believe my search history is making my social media feeds more negative over time.

8. I feel frightened by what I see on social media, yet I feel unable to stop looking.

9. I find it very difficult to pull myself away from negative social media content.

10. I find myself wanting to look for bad news on social media more frequently.

11. I often lose track of time when I am reading negative headlines online.

12. I refresh my newsfeeds repeatedly to see if any new disasters have occurred.

13. I tend to stay up late at night specifically to search for negative stories.

14. Checking for bad news on social media has become a routine habit for me.

15. Being online makes me feel tense, as if I’m waiting for something bad to happen.

16. Even after I put my device away, I find myself mentally dwelling on the negative stories I just read.

Now, enter your demographics to see how you stack up against others.

First Name

Age

Gender

Region

References

Inspired by work by Sharma, B., Lee, S. S., & Johnson, B. K. (2022). The dark at the end of the tunnel: Doomscrolling on social media newsfeeds. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 3(1). 1-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this scale take?
It takes a few minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?
Yes, all responses are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?
Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Compulsive Negative News Checking Test: Do You Doomscroll?

Take The Doomscrolling Scale

Now, enter your demographics to see how you stack up against others.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

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