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Searches for “off-the-grid” living have increased by 67% in the past decade.
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Research shows the rise of “doomscrolling” is cause for concern when it comes to our mental health.
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Sarah Martin, Psychology Lecturer at The University of Law, explains how the rising popularity of unplugged retreats could break your dopamine chasing cycle.
A psychologist has revealed how late-night phone scrolling alters our brain chemistry and why an off-the-grid retreat could be the best investment for our mental wellbeing this winter.
Sarah Martin, a lecturer in Psychology at The University of Law, says so-called “doomscrolling” has become cause for concern among psychologists since the start of the Covid pandemic, with findings showing those who are more engaged with doomscrolling are more likely to experience psychological distress[i].
New findings from The University of Law show online searches for “off-the-grid” living have increased by 67% in the past decade, as more people seek to break the cycle of scrolling that could be negatively impacting their cognitive abilities.
Sarah comments: “Psychological distress leads to lower mental wellbeing, life satisfaction and general feelings of having a harmonious life. There are now various studies showing a link between doomscrolling and psychological wellbeing, as well as feelings of impulsivity and risky behaviours, or worries about the future.
“Most people will find themselves reaching for their phone several times a day, often when they have a free moment to think. It may seem harmless, but this increased usage could really be hindering our ability to use our brain’s functions properly, so some time ‘off-the-grid’ could go a long way towards breaking this cycle.”
According to research, our increased reliance on our smartphones could be having a negative impact on our ability to store and retrieve information, due to what is known as cognitive overload and working memory saturation.
This overload happens as our brain uses so much energy processing the huge amounts of information it has access to through digital devices, that it no longer has the energy required for other cognitive functions.
The resulting mental exhaustion causes our natural defences against these mental impacts to weaken, leading to memory loss, an inability to think rationally and struggles with decision making.
Sarah continues: “One theory claims the permanent presence of smartphones has formed a specific ‘permanently online and permanently connected (POPC) mindset in individuals. On one hand this can have a positive impact by opening new opportunities for cognitive performance or reducing feelings of loneliness, however the mindset can also quickly create feelings of overwhelm.”
Being addicted to the doom scroll is much more than simply a habit, however. Scrolling behaviours are intrinsically linked to our brain’s reward system and driven by dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.
Once the dopamine system is activated, users learn to expect a reward while scrolling. With infinite scrolling at their fingertips, this leaves many users trapped seeking more dopamine as they scroll.
According to Sarah, the rise in popularity of unplugged retreats i.e. time spent in nature away from technology, could be beneficial in helping to break the cycle of constant dopamine chasing.
“Those who are heavy users of technology will almost certainly experience benefits from taking a few days to unplug. It’s likely their sleep will improve as limiting late night scrolling will likely create better sleep habits, as well as improved mindfulness i.e. the ability to feel present in the moment, which can limit feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
“From a neuroscience perspective, taking this time to ‘unplug’ can help to break the cycle of constant dopamine chasing and free up some space in the brain to its other daily functions, which can be otherwise hindered when constantly processing new information.
“Of course, booking yourself days away in a cabin with your phone locked away isn’t always going to be feasible. In this case, don’t underestimate the simple act of getting outdoors for some natural daylight and fresh air without a phone in hand.
“Try to consciously limit your time on your phone by limiting notifications and setting time limits and try to create offline hobbies that you enjoy. All of these will help to break the cycle of dopamine chasing and contribute to better mental wellbeing.”
To find out more about studying psychology at The University of Law, visit: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/psychology/
[i] (Satici et al., 2023).