Social media has long been linked to increased anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of overwhelm—especially when we find ourselves endlessly scrolling through negative or distressing content. But emerging conversations around digital habits suggest it’s not just how much time we spend online that matters—it’s what we consume.
Enter bloomscrolling, a more intentional and positive approach to social media use.
Dr. Jen Hartstein, clinical psychologist and founder of Hartstein Psychological Services, recently joined NBC News to discuss this growing trend. She describes bloomscrolling as the opposite of doomscrolling. Instead of passively absorbing negative news or comparison-driven content, bloomscrolling involves actively curating your feed to include uplifting, educational, and meaningful content.
This might mean following accounts that inspire you, teach you something new, or simply make you feel good. It also includes unfollowing or muting sources that trigger stress, comparison, or negativity.
The key is intentionality. By being more mindful about what you engage with online, you can shift your digital environment into one that supports—not harms—your mental and emotional well-being. Over time, this small but powerful shift can positively impact not only your mood, but also your overall health.
In a world where scrolling is second nature, bloomscrolling offers a simple, empowering way to take back control—and turn your screen time into something that helps you thrive.
