How to stop doomscrolling

By ScrollSentry · Published August 29, 2026 · 5 minute read

In this guide, “doomscrolling” simply means continuing through a news or social feed after the reason for opening it has passed. The term is not used as a diagnosis or as a description of a medical condition.

Why endless feeds need a clear endpoint

An article, search results page, or inbox usually has a visible boundary. An infinite feed does not. A defined task, timer, scroll checkpoint, or access rule can provide the endpoint the page lacks.

The controls serve different purposes. A direct bookmark skips the platform homepage. A website block controls whether the domain opens. A bypass delay adds a wait before access. A scroll checkpoint appears after the page has already been used for a while. None of these controls determines whether a site is appropriate for you; they only implement the browsing rule you choose.

Set up Chrome in seven steps

1. Record the entry point. Check whether the visit usually begins from a bookmark, notification, typed address, search result, or link from another page.
2. Define the destination. Bookmark the article, message page, community, or publishing tool you actually use instead of the platform homepage.
3. Write down the task. Before opening the site, specify the page or action required, such as reading one update or replying to two messages.
4. Choose an endpoint. Use a defined task, a timer, a page count, or a scroll checkpoint. The endpoint should be selected before the feed opens.
5. Choose the access rule. Keep the domain available, place it on a block list, or use an allow list for a narrowly defined browsing session. The comparison in how to block websites on Chrome explains the available control layers.
6. Choose the bypass behavior. Easy Mode can present an override after a configurable delay. Hard Mode keeps the block active until the setting is changed.
7. Test the complete path. Open the destination, confirm the block or checkpoint appears where expected, test the bypass, and verify that the page remains usable if grayscale is enabled.

Time limits versus scroll limits

A time limit measures elapsed time. A scroll checkpoint measures page movement. A website block acts before the page opens. These controls operate at different stages:

• Use a website block to control whether a listed domain opens.
• Use a bypass delay to require a wait before an override becomes available.
• Use a scroll checkpoint to offer a choice between closing the tab and continuing after extended scrolling.
• Use a time window as a manual rule for when a site should be available.

ScrollSentry provides website blocks, bypass delays, and an interruption after extended scrolling. It does not schedule access windows automatically. To use a time window, leave the site blocked and bypass it only during the period you selected.

Set a Chrome rule for late night browsing

If you choose a browser cutoff time, turn on the block before it begins. You can also leave the site blocked and bypass it only for a defined task. ScrollSentry does not automate recurring schedules.

ScrollSentry is a Chrome extension for desktop browsers. It does not control mobile applications, settings across your device, or other browsers. Grayscale removes color from a bypassed webpage. ScrollSentry does not claim that this feature produces any health or behavioral result.

Example configuration

For one feed, replace the homepage bookmark with a direct destination, keep the domain blocked between planned visits, and select an endpoint before opening it. During the visit, the scroll checkpoint can present a choice to close the tab or continue. For a setup that preserves work and communication access, continue with how to limit social media time without quitting.

Scope and limitations

This page provides general information about browser configuration and ScrollSentry features. It does not provide medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. ScrollSentry is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. No health outcome is promised.