Doomscrolling is the act of continuously scrolling through news without stopping or taking breaks.

Margaret Atwood, renowned author and Nobel laureate, recently spoke about her thoughts on doomscrolling in an interview with The Guardian. She stated that despite being a master of dystopian fiction, she still feels compelled to stay informed about current events and is drawn to the constant stream of information available online. Atwood believes that people are wired to want to know what’s happening in the world, even if it’s uncomfortable or disturbing. This desire for knowledge can be both a blessing and a curse, as it allows us to stay engaged with the world but also risks perpetuating feelings of anxiety and unease. “I think I’m just trying to keep up with the latest doom,” Atwood said in the interview. “I want to know what’s going on, even if it’s terrible news.” She expressed her concern about the way people are consuming information online, often getting sucked into a cycle of constant scrolling without taking breaks or engaging critically. Atwood believes that this phenomenon is closely tied to our cultural obsession with social media and the 24-hour news cycle. We’re constantly bombarded with information, often without the time or context to truly process it. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and disconnection from the world around us. Despite her concerns, Atwood remains optimistic about the potential for resistance and change in America. She believes that even in the face of adversity, individuals can come together to create positive change and fight against oppressive systems. In a surprising twist, Atwood expressed admiration for Elon Musk’s willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and take bold action on issues like climate change. While she acknowledges the complexities and risks associated with his vision, she sees it as an example of how one individual can use their platform to spark meaningful conversation and inspire others to take action. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of our time, Margaret Atwood’s insights into the human condition offer a powerful reminder of the importance of staying informed, engaging critically, and working together towards a brighter future.