The Impact of Doomscrolling and Social Media Dependency on Individuals Suffering From Fibromyalgia. A Cross-Sectional Study

In recent years, the widespread use of social media and digital platforms has led to the emergence of behavioural patterns such as doomscrolling, which involves the compulsive consumption of negative or distressing online content. This can often lead to increased anxiety and psychological distress. While this phenomenon has been studied extensively in the general population, its impact on individuals with chronic pain conditions, particularly fibromyalgia, remains largely unexplored. FM is a complex disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties, often accompanied by heightened emotional distress. As FM patients often experience anxiety and depression and engage in maladaptive coping strategies, doomscrolling may exacerbate their symptoms and impair their overall well-being.

Existing research suggests that excessive social media use is linked to social media addiction (SMA), fear of missing out (FoMO) and poor sleep quality - all of which are particularly relevant to FM patients, who already struggle with sleep dysfunction and psychosocial challenges. Nevertheless, no investigation heretofore has specifically scrutinised the association between doomscrolling, SMA, FoMO and fibromyalgia-related disability. Understanding these associations could provide valuable insights into how digital behaviours influence FM symptomatology and help to identify potential intervention targets to mitigate negative outcomes.

This cross-sectional study aims to: - assess the prevalence and severity of doomscrolling in fibromyalgia patients;- examine the relationships between doomscrolling, social media addiction (Bergen Scale), fear of missing out (FoMO Scale), fibromyalgia impact (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) and sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index);- explore whether doomscrolling and related digital behaviours are associated with worse fibromyalgia symptom severity and quality of life.

By investigating these associations, the study will contribute to the growing body of literature on digital well-being in populations with chronic pain and inform future interventions aimed at promoting healthier media consumption habits among patients with fibromyalgia.