Doomscrolling: The Mental and Physical Response and How To Break The Habit with Dr. Alison Holman

About this episode

What happens to our minds and bodies when we can’t stop scrolling? In this episode, Alita Guillen sits down with Dr. Alison Holman, Professor of Nursing and Psychological Science at UC Irvine, to explore the hidden costs of doomscrolling and constant exposure to distressing media.

Dr. Holman’s groundbreaking research reveals how the images we see online, especially violent or graphic ones, can trigger the same stress responses as living through trauma. From 9/11 to the pandemic to the wars and political divisions of today, she’s studied how repeated exposure to collective crises can lead to anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular problems.

Together, they talk about what’s really happening in our brains when we scroll, why it’s so hard to stop, and how to protect our mental and physical health in a world of endless headlines. Dr. Holman shares practical ways to reset your nervous system, including mindful body scans, breathing techniques, limiting alerts, and setting intentional “media doses.”

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the constant news cycle. It’s a reminder that staying informed doesn’t have to mean staying anxious, and that compassion, connection, and awareness are key to taking back control of your attention.

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