What is Doomerism and 3 Ways to Break Its Control

Introduction

In an age of climate crises, political instability, and economic uncertainty, the rise of doomerism—a worldview centered on the belief that society is doomed beyond repair—has become a psychological phenomenon worth exploring. From viral memes to nihilistic subcultures, many individuals, especially younger generations, are succumbing to a sense of existential despair. But what drives this bleak perspective, and is there a way out of the doom spiral?

Psychological Roots of Doomerism

At its core, doomerism is a response to chronic stress, uncertainty, and a perceived lack of control over the future. Several psychological mechanisms contribute to its appeal:

1. Learned Helplessness

The concept of learned helplessness, coined by psychologist Martin Seligman, explains how repeated exposure to negative events can make people believe they are powerless to change their circumstances (Seligman, 1975). With climate change accelerating, economic inequality widening, and political polarization growing, many feel trapped in an unchangeable downward spiral.

2. Negativity Bias and Doomscrolling

Our brains are hardwired to focus on threats and dangers as a survival mechanism—a phenomenon known as negativity bias (Rozin & Royzman, 2001). In the digital age, doomscrolling—the compulsive consumption of negative news—exacerbates this tendency, reinforcing a belief that catastrophe is inevitable (Owen, 2020). The 24-hour news cycle and algorithm-driven content amplify this effect, leading people to perceive the world as more dangerous than it actually is.

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3. Existential Anxiety and the Absurd

Doomerism is often fueled by deep-seated fears about the meaning of life and the future of humanity. Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus recognized the struggle between meaning and meaninglessness, but while Camus advocated for rebellious optimism—embracing life despite its absurdity—many doomers lean into despair (Camus, 1942).

4. Social Identity and Echo Chambers

The internet has made it easier than ever to find like-minded communities. Online forums and social media platforms create spaces where doomer narratives thrive, reinforcing pessimism and discouraging action. Research suggests that echo chambers intensify existing beliefs, leading individuals to perceive their worldview as the only reality (Sunstein, 2001).

Why Doomerism Feels So Comforting

Ironically, while doomerism is rooted in hopelessness, it can provide a strange sense of comfort. Accepting that “everything is doomed” relieves the pressure of trying to change things. It becomes easier to disengage, avoid responsibility, and justify inaction. This psychological coping mechanism, known as defensive pessimism, helps people prepare for the worst—but it also limits the potential for hope and resilience (Norem & Cantor, 1986).

The Psychology of Hope

Though doomerism may feel justified, psychological research suggests that a shift in mindset can foster resilience-

1. Radical Acceptance- Acknowledging challenges without succumbing to despair allows individuals to focus on meaningful action. Instead of fixating on global collapse, people can take small, tangible steps toward change (Linehan, 1993).
2. Cognitive Reframing- Challenging catastrophic thoughts and seeking alternative perspectives can reduce feelings of helplessness. For example, recognizing historical progress (such as reductions in extreme poverty and disease) can help counteract fatalistic beliefs (Pinker, 2018).
3. Action as an Antidote- Studies show that engagement—whether through activism, community involvement, or personal growth—creates a sense of agency and combats feelings of powerlessness (Bandura, 1997).

Conclusion

Doomerism is a natural response to a chaotic world, but it doesn’t have to define our reality. By understanding the psychological traps that fuel despair, we can break free from the cycle of hopelessness and cultivate a more constructive perspective. The future may be uncertain, but resigning to doom ensures only one outcome—whereas embracing action, even in the face of uncertainty, keeps the possibility of change alive.

So, what will you choose: despair or determination?

References

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W. H. Freeman.

Camus, A. (1942). The Myth of Sisyphus. Gallimard.

Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.

Norem, J. K., & Cantor, N. (1986). Defensive pessimism: Harnessing anxiety as motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(6), 1208–1217.

Owen, T. (2020). The psychology of doomscrolling. Wired Magazine.

Pinker, S. (2018). Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress. Viking.

Rozin, P., & Royzman, E. B. (2001). Negativity bias in human psychology. Review of General Psychology, 5(4), 296-320.

Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Helplessness: On Depression, Development, and Death. W. H. Freeman.

Sunstein, C. R. (2001). Republic.com. Princeton University Press.