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Study Links Doomscrolling to Anxiety and “Helicopter Brain”

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 4:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Steven Resnick, a U.S. neurologist, links doomscrolling to heightened anxiety and “helicopter brain.”
A Frontiers in Psychology analysis of 44 studies ties excessive negative online content to poorer mental health.
Resnick says information overload triggers the autonomic nervous system, creating constant high-alert “helicopter brain” symptoms.
He offers a five-step guide to manage anxiety, including recognizing feelings and rewarding new habits.

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Story summary

Dr. Steven Resnick, a U.S. neurologist, links doomscrolling to heightened anxiety and “helicopter brain.”
A Frontiers in Psychology analysis of 44 studies ties excessive negative online content to poorer mental health.
Resnick says information overload triggers the autonomic nervous system, creating constant high-alert “helicopter brain” symptoms.
He offers a five-step guide to manage anxiety, including recognizing feelings and rewarding new habits.