In recent years, conversations about social media and mental health have focused heavily on its negative effects. Research shows that social media is linked to depression and body image issues in teens and young adults, and can even be addictive.
But the mental health impact of social media seems to depend, at least in part, on what you look at. A growing trend called “bloomscrolling” encourages people to curate and engage with online content that supports emotional well-being, connection, and inspiration.
What You’ll Learn
- What is bloomscrolling?
- How does bloomscrolling support well-being?
- What are examples of bloomscrolling?
- How do you curate your social media feed toward healthier content?
Quick Read
Bloomscrolling is a new trend that encourages users to seek uplifting and meaningful content on social media, as opposed to doomscrolling, which involves consuming negative or alarming information. This practice empowers individuals to take control of their online experiences, promoting mental well-being rather than anxiety and distress.
Research indicates that how people interact with social media significantly impacts their mental health. Engaging actively with positive content, such as sharing uplifting posts or participating in supportive communities, fosters emotional regulation and can provide moments of joy and relief amidst the chaos of online spaces.
To start bloomscrolling, users should curate their feeds by following inspiring accounts and unfollowing those that trigger negative emotions. It’s also essential to balance online activities with real-life experiences, ensuring that social media serves as a mental reset rather than a constant source of stress.
What Is Bloomscrolling?
Bloomscrolling is the practice of intentionally seeking out uplifting, calming, or meaningful online content rather than distressing or comparison-driven material. The term was coined as a direct contrast to doomscrolling, which refers to the act of consuming alarming or negative news and social media.
The act of bloomscrolling gives the user agency back. Rather than feeling powerless against the pull of mindless media consumption, negative algorithms, and rage-inducing clickbait, people can scroll in a conscious way that supports their mental health rather than undermining it.
What Research Says About Social Media and Well-Being
The idea of bloomscrolling reflects a broader shift in how researchers understand digital life and mental health. The “just stop using social media” approach isn’t always helpful, so people are now trying to use it in healthier ways.
Research supports the idea of intentional use of social media. A recent meta-analysis of 78 studies on social media and well-being found that positive well-being outcomes depend more on how people interact with these platforms than on overall screen time.
These studies suggest that people who actively engage with social media by sharing funny or uplifting posts, commenting positively, participating in online communities, posting authentic stories or posts, or expressing creativity have slightly higher well-being than those who browse passively.
The type of content people see online and how they interact with it often matters more for their mental health than the number of minutes they spend scrolling.
Bloomscrolling vs. Doomscrolling
While bloomscrolling and doomscrolling both involve scrolling through social media feeds, the experience is very different.
Doomscrolling is algorithm-driven and often occurs subconsciously and automatically. You might start checking news or social media updates and find yourself pulled deeper into streams of alarming content, political conflict, crises, or disasters. This process activates the brain’s threat detection system, increasing stress and reinforcing cycles of anxiety, depression, and helplessness.
Other types of content can also create negative emotions. Social media featuring other people’s fancy vacations or exciting parties can trigger social comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy, envy, or fear of missing out. Teens and young adults tend to be more severely affected by the negative effects of social media than older adults.
Bloomscrolling, by contrast, is intentional and encourages emotional regulation. Instead of focusing on content that makes you feel bad, or allowing the algorithm to dictate what appears in your feed, you curate a digital environment that supports a sense of calm, curiosity, inspiration, or connection.
How to Curate Your Social Media Feed
When approached intentionally, social media can bring people moments of joy and hope. Bloomscrolling can provide small pockets of relief in a stressful day and help counterbalance the stress and chaos that often dominate online spaces.
Actions to Support Bloomscrolling
- Refraining from looking at or clicking on stressful or fear-mongering content
- Following accounts that provide inspiration or comfort
- Unfollowing content that triggers comparison or distress
- Searching for calming or meaningful content
- Interacting with supportive communities
Examples of How to Bloomscroll
- Watching nature videos or calming landscapes
- Following creators who share art, music, or dance
- Searching for baby animal videos or lighthearted humor
- Learning new skills or exploring educational content
- Looking at stories about community or kindness
Why Bloomscrolling Is Good for You
Positive or familiar content can serve as a powerful regulator during times of stress or overwhelm. Just as people turn to go-to comfort foods or comfort shows to soothe dysregulation, engaging with calming or nostalgic media can help reduce emotional strain.
When used intentionally, social media can support two types of well-being that psychologists often talk about: hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Bloomscrolling can boost both types.
- Hedonic well-being refers to momentary, impactful positive emotions such as pleasure, delight, wonder, relaxation, or amusement.
- Eudaimonic well-being describes deeper feelings of fulfillment. This includes experiences that support meaning, personal growth, authenticity, and connection with others.
When you intentionally seek out content that sparks creativity, brings you laughter or joy, reflects your values, or helps you connect with others, scrolling can start to feel less draining and more restorative.
Engaging with supportive online communities or learning something new online may leave you feeling energized instead of depleted. It can also help counterbalance the constant stream of negative news that contributes to digital burnout, mental exhaustion, and fatigue from bad news.
How to Start Bloomscrolling This Spring
If you’re curious about experimenting with bloomscrolling, start by giving your digital habits a spring cleaning. Rather than letting social media feeds dictate your mood, guide your online environment toward experiences that support well-being.
Remember, though, bloomscrolling works best when it’s part of a balanced approach to mental health. Even uplifting content can start to feel unsatisfying if you don’t unplug enough from the online world.
Activities that encourage presence and embodiment, such as being outside, spending time in real-life community spaces, or practicing creative hobbies, are crucial to well-being. Here are a few ways to begin.
Curate Your Feed
Unfollow accounts that make you feel small, stressed, less-than, angry, or envious. Follow creators who inspire curiosity, creativity, humor, beauty, or relaxation.
Social media algorithms give you more of what you click on and engage with. If you search for calming or uplifting content, like nature videos, art, music, or wholesome stories, the platform will begin recommending more of it.
Seek Connection
Instead of merely consuming content, interact with other users. Leave uplifting comments, message friends, and share posts, or participate in communities that share your interests or values. These forms of connection are consistently associated with better well-being outcomes.
Balance Online and Offline Experiences
Bloomscrolling works best as a short mental reset, not a full-day activity. Pair it with IRL activities that support well-being, such as going outside, spending time with friends, or engaging in creative hobbies.
Professional Support for Healthy Technology Habits
While strategies like bloomscrolling can help people approach social media more intentionally, they can’t replace comprehensive mental healthcare. When technology habits become tied to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, burnout, or emotional distress, professional treatment can provide the support needed to address the underlying issues.
At PrairieCare, our clinicians throughout Minnesota work with people of all ages to build healthier relationships with technology while strengthening the emotional skills that support overall well-being. Rather than focusing only on limiting screen time, our programs help people understand how digital environments affect their mood, self-image, and nervous system.
Mental Health Services in Minnesota
Through individual therapy, group therapy, and skill-building, our compassionate teams of providers address both primary mental health challenges and technology-related challenges that contribute to lower mood.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of digital life, reach out to us for support. At our locations in the Twin Cities, Mankato, and Rochester, we’ll help you or your loved one regain balance, strengthen resilience, and build healthier habits for navigating both online and offline life.
Call our team at 952-826-8475 to learn about the services and programs we offer. You can also request a complimentary care questionnaire using the button below.
FAQs
What is bloomscrolling?
- Bloomscrolling refers to intentionally curating positive, calming, or meaningful content online rather than distressing or comparison-driven material. The goal is to use social media to support, not hinder, emotional well-being.
How is bloomscrolling different from doomscrolling?
- Doomscrolling involves compulsively consuming negative news or stressful social media content. Bloomscrolling is more intentional, focusing on uplifting, inspiring, or soothing content.
Does social media always harm mental health?
- The impact of social media depends largely on how people use it. Activities such as communicating with friends or participating in communities can improve well-being, while social comparison and compulsive use have negative effects.
Can bloomscrolling improve mental health?
- Bloomscrolling may help reduce stress and promote positive emotions by exposing people to comforting or inspiring content. However, it should be viewed as a small coping strategy rather than a replacement for professional mental health support.
Is screen time the biggest factor affecting social media well-being?
- Studies show that total screen time alone doesn’t impact well-being as much as people thought. Psychological factors, particularly the type of content being consumed, also play a role.
When should someone seek professional help for technology-related stress?
- If social media use contributes to persistent anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, or difficulty functioning in daily life, it might be time to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy can help you develop healthier coping strategies and technology habits.