Since 1947, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) has used the metaphor of the Doomsday Clock as a means of communicating how close the human species is to self-imposed annihilation, represented as midnight. While early iterations of the clock focused more exclusively on the dangers of nuclear weapons, the BAS has also begun to consider other evolving existential dangers in recent decades, including climate change, disruptive technology and cyber risks, and political volatility. The Doomsday Clock is both famous and controversial. However, to date no known studies have explored the potential connection between the Doomsday Clock and health and mortality.
A recent study explores the connection between the Doomsday Clock—a symbolic measure of global threats—and its impact on mortality rates and mental health. Researchers found that the constant exposure to existential threats, such as nuclear war and climate change, contributes to increased stress, anxiety, and depression in individuals. This heightened psychological distress can lead to long-term health consequences, including a rise in substance abuse as people seek coping mechanisms.
The study emphasizes that the perception of global instability can have tangible effects on individual well-being. Feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty may push people toward unhealthy habits, including alcohol and drug use, to escape overwhelming anxiety. Experts suggest that promoting mental resilience, seeking support, and engaging in positive coping strategies can mitigate these negative effects.
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