Doom Scrolling-Style-Scrolling and Its effect on Immediate Recall: An Experimental Study

Abstract

The rapid rise of short form social media platforms has introduced scrolling based interfaces that may influence cognitive functioning beyond emotional outcomes. This study examined the effect of doomscrolling style segmented presentation on immediate recall, isolating interface format from emotional content. Using an experimental quantitative design with a within subjects approach, 30 college students aged 18–28 were exposed to two conditions: (a) a doomscrolling style scrolling format and (b) a non scrolling continuous video format. Neutral and positive stimuli were used to minimize affective confounds. Immediate recall was measured through a structured recall test administered directly after exposure. Due to non normal distribution of paired differences, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results showed that participants demonstrated significantly higher immediate recall in the doomscrolling condition compared to the non scrolling condition. The doomscrolling format yielded high recall performance, whereas the continuous video format resulted in moderate recall performance. Findings suggest that segmented, fast paced presentation enhances short term memory by promoting attentional engagement, chunking, and effective encoding through event segmentation. However, substantial variability in recall scores across individuals indicates that cognitive benefits may differ based on attentional capacity and susceptibility to cognitive load. Consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well Being), the study contributes to evidence based guidance on cognitively healthier digital engagement.