EKSPLORASI DOOMSCROLLING & SUBJECTIVEWELL-BEING PADA DEWASA AWAL PENGGUNA AKTIF MEDIA SOSIAL

Abstract

This study aims to explore how emerging adults make sense of doomscrolling behavior, its implications for their subjective well-being, and the coping strategies they employ. The focus of the research is on the subjective experiences of active social media users in engaging with doomscrolling and how they respond to its psychological impact. This qualitative study adopts a phenomenological approach, involving five participants who are active social media users (usage >4 hours/day) and have accounts across multiple platforms. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings reveal that doomscrolling is experienced as a response to curiosity, the need to stay socially connected, and the desire to obtain up-to-date information. While some participants perceived benefits such as increased awareness, negative consequences, including heightened anxiety, reduced positive emotions, and decreased productivity, were more prominent. Participants' subjective well-being was reflected in their affective experiences and life satisfaction while engaging in doomscrolling. Coping strategies included time management, limiting social media access, and seeking social support. These findings offer an in-depth understanding of doomscrolling dynamics within the Indonesian digital culture and provide a foundation for developing relevant psychological interventions.