When Doomscrolling Drains You, This Poem Restores Hope
In today’s hyperconnected world, our screens bombard us with breaking news, political chaos, and global crises. Doomscrolling—the compulsive consumption of negative headlines—has become a modern-day epidemic, leaving many of us exhausted and anxious.
As an Indian news blogger, I’m no stranger to this cycle. Even while staying informed, I often feel overwhelmed. That’s when I turn to poetry—specifically, “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou.
Why “Still I Rise” Is My Antidote to Doomscrolling
This iconic poem isn’t just lyrical brilliance; it’s a powerful manifesto of resilience. Angelou’s words cut through despair with unshakable optimism:
“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”
Unlike headlines that thrive on fear, “Still I Rise” acknowledges struggle while defiantly choosing hope. It’s a reminder that we, too, can rise above negativity.
The Psychology Behind Doomscrolling
India’s 24/7 news cycle feeds our brains’ negativity bias—an evolutionary trait that makes us fixate on threats. A 2023 study in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine linked excessive negative news consumption to heightened stress and poor sleep.
Yet, we keep scrolling. Why? Fear of missing out (FOMO) and the illusion of control trick us into believing more information equals safety. In reality, it often deepens helplessness.
How Poetry Breaks the Doomscrolling Habit
Poetry forces a pause. Unlike news, which demands instant reaction, Angelou’s work invites reflection. Here’s how to use it as a reset button:
- Swap Screens for Stanzas: Replace doomscrolling with a poetry app (Poetry Foundation, YourQuote).
- Memorize for Mental Strength: Keep a few lines of “Still I Rise” handy for anxious moments.
- Share the Light: Post uplifting verses on social media—combat collective despair with hope.
Why This Matters
Doomscrolling sells powerlessness; poetry reclaims agency. “Still I Rise”—born from racial and gender struggles—resonates deeply in India, where societal pressures weigh heavy. Its message is universal: Resilience is a choice.
Next time your feed feels suffocating, close the apps. Open Angelou’s words instead:
“Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise.”
Sometimes, the bravest response to chaos isn’t more consumption—it’s rising above it.
— Written for NextMinuteNews by a recovering doomscroller
