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Attention · 6 min read

How to Stop Doomscrolling Without Deleting the Internet

A practical approach to reducing compulsive scrolling while keeping the useful parts of online life.

Change the default action

Doomscrolling often begins before a conscious choice. Move high-friction feeds away from the first screen and make a more deliberate activity easy to open. Small changes to defaults can be more reliable than promises made at the end of a long session.

Replace the loop, do not only remove it

The urge to scroll usually contains a need for stimulation, rest, or a change of context. Prepare alternatives that match the need: a saved article, a short walk, music, or a conversation.

Use stopping points

A stream has no natural ending. Reading one article, finishing one topic, or setting a short timer creates a boundary. The aim is not perfect discipline; it is making the end of an activity visible.

Choose better inputs

Reducing volume helps, but input quality matters too. A smaller set of thoughtful sources can keep you informed without requiring constant monitoring.