Social media use linked to ‘climate doom’ among youth

Research indicates a correlation between heavy social media use and ‘climate doom,’ a belief that global warming will cause the collapse of social and economic orders. A study published in Climatic Change by researchers at the University at Buffalo highlights this trend among young people.

Data from various studies show significant levels of climate anxiety. A Lancet Planetary Health study of 10,000 young people across ten countries found that 75% view the future as frightening and 56% believe humanity is doomed. In the United States, a 2025 PNAS study reported that one in five Americans aged 16 to 24 are hesitant to have children due to climate concerns.

The reports suggest a gap in formal education is contributing to these perceptions. While teenagers identify teachers as their primary source of climate information, many science teachers report a lack of training in the subject. This educational gap is often filled by social media; an analysis of 100 climate videos on TikTok found that only eight cited reputable sources.