The trend of binge-watching news on apps isn’t just a passing habit—it taps into deep psychological forces driving compulsive behavior. The brain’s negativity bias predisposes us to focus on adverse news, a survival mechanism repurposed in the digital era through endless headlines and updates.

This behavior often leads to media fatigue, where constant exposure to information causes emotional exhaustion, stress, and even avoidance of news altogether . Driven by algorithms and fear of missing out (FOMO), users spiral into repetitive loops of updates that offer little benefit but plenty of mental strain.

Meanwhile, the dopamine reward system - better known from streaming shows - also fuels news scrolling. Each update or alert provides a quick “hit,” reinforcing habitual checking and compulsive behavior .

This cycle harms both mind and body - leading to anxiety, disturbed sleep, and reduced cognitive clarity . Breaking free requires conscious limits: scheduled news times, curated sources, and digital boundaries are key to reclaiming focus and emotional balance.