A recent survey conducted by Virgin Media O2 has uncovered a startling truth about modern life: the average person in Britain will spend approximately 41,000 hours of their waking life doomscrolling. This equates to nearly five years spent flicking idly between news apps and social media, often leading to increased feelings of anxiety and unhappiness.
The Rise of Doomscrolling
The term "doomscrolling" first emerged in 2018 but gained widespread usage in 2020, a year marked by global turmoil. It describes the compulsive consumption of negative news online, often to the detriment of one's mental health. The survey of over 6,000 people across the UK found that 36% of phone usage is unintentional, driven by habit rather than purpose.
Breaking Down the Numbers
On average, individuals spend one hour and 26 minutes each day on unintentional phone use. Over a lifetime—assuming smartphone adoption at age 10 and a life expectancy of 88—this adds up to 41,000 hours. That is four years and eight months, a period comparable to the lifespan of a feral pigeon or a ferret.
This time could be redirected toward more fulfilling activities. For instance, one could complete a PhD, attend veterinary school, write 107 romance novels (matching Barbara Cartland's 1976 record of 23 per year), or even theoretically travel to Jupiter.
The Cost of Digital Habits
Doomscrolling is not merely a waste of time; it actively contributes to misery. The survey highlights that this behavior is often fueled by algorithms designed by tech billionaires to maximize engagement, keeping users glued to upsetting content interspersed with advertisements.
In 2020, journalist Karen Ho created a Twitter bot called the "doomscrolling reminder bot," which sent nightly prompts asking, "Hey, are you doomscrolling?" to encourage breaks. Today, AI could offer personalized reminders to help users reclaim their time.
Reclaiming Your Life
Instead of succumbing to doomscrolling, experts suggest using that time for learning, travel, volunteering, or other meaningful pursuits. The key is to break the cycle of unintentional phone use and focus on activities that enrich life rather than diminish it.
As the survey underscores, the choice is clear: continue scrolling through digital horrors or invest in your one wild and precious life.
