Doomscrolling amid the ongoing conflict is reportedly deepening feelings of anxiety and gloom among social media users, leading a senior official to call for more mindful use of digital platforms.
Hidd Police Station’s head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar warned that several Bahrainis are experiencing issues such as sleep disturbances and lapses in concentration as a result of the relentless stream of social media content related to the US‑Iran‑Israel war since February 28.
Col Dr Bahar
He said many individuals are suffering from a psychological condition known as Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – a compulsive need to stay constantly connected, which can result in increased stress and reduced life satisfaction.
“It is the fear that you may be missing out on news and information, especially during scary moments like times of war,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“There is an unrealistic and unfounded need to know the latest news, leading to fatigue due to the sheer amount of social media posts.
“Ultimately, this can cause sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, fluctuating emotions and responses, and a distorted view of reality.
“The person may believe that they possess the absolute truth and knowledge of what is going on, and are always right. With time, their delusions worsen along with their health.”
FOMO during wartime is a complex psychological phenomenon experienced by individuals who are not directly involved in conflict but are nonetheless affected by it – often through sustained exposure to social media.
It is characterised by heightened anxiety, jealousy, or feelings of inadequacy, and frequently manifests as a profound sense of social exclusion or an obsessive need to track events in real time.
This response is particularly prevalent among younger generations, whose daily lives are deeply intertwined with digital platforms.
Research indicates that nearly three-quarters of Gen Z report experiencing FOMO on a regular basis. Although this anxiety is not unique to wartime contexts, global crises significantly intensify its effects.
During periods of conflict, FOMO can become a powerful catalyst for doomscrolling – a compulsive and addictive pattern of consuming an endless stream of distressing and often traumatic news content.
Many individuals feel an urgent need to stay continually informed in order to remain safe, relevant, or emotionally connected. However, the relentless saturation of negative information frequently produces the opposite effect, amplifying feelings of helplessness, panic, and emotional exhaustion.
Col Dr Bahar recommended multiple ways people can counter the condition – primarily by disengaging from social media, stopping doomscrolling, and only getting verified information from official sources.
“Avoid all misleading or fabricated information on social media,” he said.
“Pay attention to news from official sources and government agencies only, as they are the ones that provide clear information and instructions, rather than rumours aimed at spreading fear and panic.
“If you find yourself in any gathering with family or friends, do not start any conversations or discussions about any unverified information you may have come across online.
“Constantly and continuously following information on social media is unhealthy, so instead of damaging your mental health, pray to God as it is much better,” he added.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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