Doomscrolling is taking a toll on relationships, with a new study revealing that one in ten Britons prefer scrolling on their phones to having sex with their partner. The research, conducted by technology manufacturer OnePlus, found that nearly half (43%) of those surveyed admitted that the anti-social habit has led to arguments in their relationships.
The study highlights the growing prevalence of doomscrolling—the act of spending excessive time on social media consuming overwhelmingly negative content. Behavioural Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos warned that constant scrolling is causing people to lose valuable opportunities for connection. “People aren’t just wasting time, they’re losing the opportunity to connect with what really matters,” she said.
The findings also reveal that 54% of people engage in doomscrolling while in bed, robbing themselves of rest and peace of mind. This habit has resulted in 44% losing track of time and 17% struggling to sleep. The most common types of brain-draining content include negative news (32%), reality TV drama (32%), and conspiracy theories (26%).
Dr Papadopoulos explained that people instinctively reach for their phones to “soothe uncertainty,” but the constant stream of negative information “heightens our stress levels.” She added: “Over half of those surveyed said they wish they had more hours in the day, yet those hours are quietly being swallowed by an endless scroll.”
To break the cycle, experts recommend replacing doomscrolling with more fulfilling habits. Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper, a Chartered Research Psychologist, suggested taking up hobbies that encourage mindfulness, such as colouring, knitting, or sewing. These activities involve repetitive, soothing movements and provide a sense of achievement, helping to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
