?I'm Sam.

Neil
And I'm Neil.

Sam
Have you heard the expression doomscrolling, Neil? It's when people spend a lot of time reading, or 'scrolling', a mobile phone or computer screen in order to read negative news stories - stories full of doom.

Neil
I hate to admit it, but I do sometimes doomscroll.

Sam
Well don't feel too bad, Neil, because you're not alone. Research from the University of California found that people all over the world doomscroll, regardless of culture. What's more, there may even be evolutionary reasons why we're attracted to bad news.

Neil
In this programme, we'll be investigating why we feel compelled to look at, and even seek out, bad news. And, as usual, we'll be learning some new vocabulary, as well.

Sam
But before that I have a question for you, Neil. Doomscrolling is a very modern idea which is only possible with the 24/7, non-stop cycle of news reporting. So, according to international news agency, Reuters, what has been the top global news story of 2023 so far? Is it:

a) The war in Ukraine?

b) Increasing prices and inflation?, or,

c) Prince Harry's autobiography?

Neil
I think the answer is an issue that's affecting everyone - inflation.