Social media users engaged in "hopescrolling" on Wednesday, November 4, following U.S. election results. The term, described by psychologists as an alternative to "doomscrolling," refers to the practice of seeking out and consuming optimistic news content. The shift in online behavior followed Democratic gains in the U.S. House and Senate and the election of Keisha Lance Bottoms as Governor of Georgia.
The trend follows psychological research into how digital media consumption affects mood. In 2021, a study published in the journal PLOS One found that viewing two minutes of negative news could lower a person's sense of optimism. Conversely, the study noted that "kindness scrolling"—watching reports of positive actions—did not produce the same negative emotional effects.
Psychologists stated that this behavior can help individuals regulate their emotions. Lauren Appio, a psychologist and executive coach, noted that seeking out happy content helps prolong positive feelings, especially when shared with others through memes or stories. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, a licensed clinical psychologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, added that the "feeling of awe" generated by such content can improve social connections and foster a sense of being part of something larger than oneself.
According to a 2026 Pew Research Center survey, a majority of people under the age of 50 report spending too much time on their phones. While hopescrolling can improve mood, researchers note that the release of dopamine can make the habit difficult to break. This could lead to users spending more time on platforms, potentially displacing other activities.
Susan Tapert, a professor at the UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry, cautioned that uplifting content can be just as habit-forming as negative content. As the post-election period continues, Sinclair-McBride suggested balancing digital celebration with "values-based" living.