Apparently, You Can Tell if Someone is Rich Just by How They Use Their Phone
What if the way you scroll says more about your bank account than your personality? A growing online debate suggests that doomscrolling—the reflex to continually consume news and negativity—might actually be a class signal. The theory goes that burnout, financial strain, and endless scrolling often go hand in hand, while those with comfort and control simply don’t have the same urge to check every headline.
Here’s why it might be time to take a closer look at how you’re spending your downtime.
Doomscrolling and the Overworked Life
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Let’s talk about doomscrolling for a second. If you’ve been living under a rock, the term refers to endlessly scrolling through negative news or social media posts. It’s not just about wasting time; it’s an escape, a way to cope with stress. So, where does the money part come in?
According to some theories circulating, doomscrolling is a habit associated with individuals who are stressed, overworked, and trying to make it through another grueling day.
In contrast, those who have the luxury of more free time and the ability to enjoy it might not have the same need to drown out stress with a phone. Instead, they might be spending their downtime at the gym, on a hiking trail, or enjoying family time without digital interruptions.
Wealthy People Aren’t Scrolling; They’re Out Living Life
It’s not that the wealthy are immune to stress, but the way they manage it is different. They’re spending their time on things that don’t require constant checking of their phones, including extracurricular activities for their kids, personal hobbies, and maybe even self-care routines that don’t involve doomscrolling through negative news. They have the resources to escape the digital noise.
Take a look at wealthy families. You’re less likely to see kids with tablets glued to their hands, and more likely to find them enrolled in enriching activities, such as music lessons or sports. This, of course, comes with the privilege of having the time and financial means to engage in these experiences. It’s a lifestyle that seems far removed from the frantic scroll-fest many of us are stuck in.
Is There Hope for the Scrollers?
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If you’ve just found yourself frantically scrolling while reading this and feeling a bit called out, don’t worry! The link between doomscrolling and wealth is a bit of a generalization. After all, people use their phones in multiple ways. Some of us scroll to stay informed, others to kill time, and some do it for a mental escape.
The key isn’t to feel guilty about it, but rather to recognize how much time you’re investing in your phone and whether there’s a better way to use that downtime, even if that’s just switching from your phone to a good book for 20 minutes or taking a walk outside