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The Role of Doomscrolling in Information Overload and Decision-Making Paralysis Among Young Adults


Authors : Kritika Dua

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ymjxc9px

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mryt3pxw

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1850

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : =As digital platforms increasingly utilize algorithm-driven reinforcement to provide a relentless stream of crisis-related news, young adults are becoming susceptible to a behavioral pattern known as doomscrolling—the compulsive consumption of negative online content. This study explored the relationship between doomscrolling, information overload (IO), and avoidant decision-making paralysis among N=143 young adults (ages 18–35). Using a cross-sectional quantitative design and a simple random sampling strategy, data were collected through standardized psychometric instruments, including the Doomscrolling Scale, the Information Overload Scale, and the Avoidant Decision-Making Style subscale of the GDMS.

Keywords : Doomscrolling, Information Overload, Decision-Making, Cognitive Load Theory, Decision Paralysis.

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=As digital platforms increasingly utilize algorithm-driven reinforcement to provide a relentless stream of crisis-related news, young adults are becoming susceptible to a behavioral pattern known as doomscrolling—the compulsive consumption of negative online content. This study explored the relationship between doomscrolling, information overload (IO), and avoidant decision-making paralysis among N=143 young adults (ages 18–35). Using a cross-sectional quantitative design and a simple random sampling strategy, data were collected through standardized psychometric instruments, including the Doomscrolling Scale, the Information Overload Scale, and the Avoidant Decision-Making Style subscale of the GDMS.

Keywords : Doomscrolling, Information Overload, Decision-Making, Cognitive Load Theory, Decision Paralysis.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - May - 2026

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