Compassion Collapse in the Age of Doomscrolling
Psychology Today
by Leah Weiss, Ph.D.February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In an era where doomscrolling has become a common habit, many find themselves grappling with compassion collapse—a phenomenon where prolonged exposure to overwhelming news leads to emotional exhaustion and decreased capacity for empathy. This article explores how constant engagement with charged material, such as ICE policies or the Epstein files, can result in a cycle of hypervigilance, emotional flooding, and eventual shutdown. The nervous system, unable to sustain heightened empathy indefinitely, shows signs of fraying, including oscillations between numbness and overwhelm. This collapse is particularly concerning for those who see themselves as civically engaged and compassionate individuals, as it often clashes with their self-perceived identities.
The article highlights that compassion collapse is not a sign of weakness but rather a natural response to the overwhelming scale of suffering presented in news media. Research shows that people are more likely to disengage when faced with large-scale suffering, as their capacity for responsive care becomes overwhelmed. This dynamic explains why nonprofits often focus on individual stories rather than broader crises—they are more effective at eliciting empathy and action.
For individuals, this means recognizing the limits of their emotional regulation systems and taking proactive steps to protect their mental health. The article emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with news consumption and incorporating practices that promote self-care and downregulation. This is not just about personal well-being; it’s a critical component of maintaining one’s ability to contribute meaningfully to societal issues.
Ultimately, understanding compassion collapse is vital for anyone seeking to balance their civic engagement with their mental health. By acknowledging these limits and adjusting how they consume information, individuals can avoid burnout and maintain their capacity for empathy. This insight underscores the need for a nuanced approach to news consumption—one that prioritizes both awareness and self-preservation in an increasingly chaotic world.
This issue matters deeply to readers interested in health, as it addresses the intersection of mental health, emotional well-being, and societal engagement. By understanding compassion collapse, individuals can take steps to protect their mental health while continuing to be active participants in their communities. The article serves as a reminder that caring for oneself is not contradictory to caring for others—it’s essential for sustaining meaningful impact in an increasingly overwhelming world.
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/19/2026