Panikröskun

Panikröskun is a term that has emerged in online discourse, particularly within certain social media communities. It is generally understood to describe a state of overwhelming panic or anxiety that is triggered by a perceived or actual overwhelming amount of information or stimuli. The term is a portmanteau, combining the Swedish word "panik" (panic) with "röskun," which is less commonly translated directly but suggests a sort of uprooting, shaking, or disruption.

The feeling associated with panikröskun is often described as a sudden inability to process information, a sense of being mentally overloaded, and a desire to disengage or shut down. This can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty concentrating, feeling frozen, or experiencing a strong urge to avoid further engagement with the source of the overload. It is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a colloquial description of a psychological experience.

Factors contributing to panikröskun can include constant exposure to news cycles, social media feeds, or complex problem-solving tasks without adequate time for processing or rest. The rapid pace of digital communication and the sheer volume of available information are often cited as primary drivers. While the term is relatively new, the underlying phenomenon of information overload and its psychological effects have been discussed in academic and popular contexts for some time.