Constant bombardment with opinions, rumors, theories, news, personal stories, angry rants, and more via social media can alter your brain and body, according to researchers. Here’s how:
- Social media can desensitize us to tragedies. Too much information, misinformation, and disinformation all contribute to people feeling less shocked and more detached from disasters and tragedies.
- Constant ‘doomscrolling’ can rewire the nervous system and release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also can lead to mood swings, appetite loss, and even cardiovascular issues.
Here’s how to help:
- Monitor and limit online time and set boundaries as to when and how you access news.
- Scroll for good news.
- Seek healthier ways to fill up idle time and cope with negative thoughts and feelings. Engage in self-care such as exercise.
- Ignore/resist feelings that you’re missing out on something.
