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Social media can be a platform for laughter and connection. But after a week of disturbing headlines and gory videos, it feels more like a never-ending doomscroll.
One of the most disturbing clips was the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk—a video many saw without warning. Then came the Colorado school shooting and the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, further adding to the persistent traumatic content our brains are overwhelmed with.
Trauma affects both children and adults.
Dr. Robin Koslowitz, a clinical child psychologist specializing in trauma, explains why graphic content can be so overwhelming.
“Our brains are bathed in a constant soup of stress hormones,” she says.
The brain's stress center can't differentiate between something far away and something happening in the same room. This is why disturbing images can trigger the same panic response as an immediate threat. Koslowitz added that parents must manage their own emotions before helping their children.
The Brain's "Trauma App"
Koslowitz compares trauma to a smartphone app that automatically opens. Once triggered, the "trauma app" floods the body with "notifications," or stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
"Whenever we experience trauma, this app automatically activates," she explains. "So, it's like saying to the trauma app, 'Thanks, trauma app... but I don't need you to replay that image over and over again.'"
She recommends starting with simple steps, like breathing and grounding exercises, and then teaching children to do the same.
Chronically elevated levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, can lead to physical and mental health problems, such as inflammation (TikTok is awash with "cortisol face" videos) and a weakened immune system. Normally, cortisol gives you a short burst of energy to respond to danger. But if the brain continues to release cortisol even after the threat has passed, it can backfire.
The Importance of Disconnecting
The constant nature of social media can make disconnecting difficult. However, Koslowitz says social media is one of the most important tools for mental health.
“If there’s something urgent you need to know about, like an active threat in your area, you’ll know about it,” she says. “Reading, browsing, scrolling through it won’t get you anywhere.”
Families can set aside screen-free times, like dinnertime. “Not because I’m a mean, controlling parent,” Koslowitz says, “but because our brains need a break, and we need to focus on each other right now.”
Words are safer than images. Another way to reduce stress is to change how you consume news. Koslowitz recommends reading instead of watching or viewing images. "Even with 9/11, I didn't want to see images," she says. "I wanted to read a story about it. Words are safer for our brains than images." She also encourages parents to adjust the permissions on their children's devices to block image content.
When "Doom Scrolling" Takes Over
The slang terms "doom scrolling" and "brain rot" describe real problems. One red flag is that scrolling feels like being in jail—you want to stop but can't. Another is when your body reacts as if you're in danger, with a racing heart or a tightening stomach.
"Constantly feeding your mind disturbing images makes your brain hypersensitive to disturbing images," says Koslowitz. "That's not a good or healthy thing."
Stress hormones are crucial in real emergencies. But when they're triggered by endless online videos, they can harm the body rather than protect it.
Even small changes can help. Koslowitz recommends turning off notifications, using filters to avoid images, and getting outside to breathe in the fresh air. Exercise and time in nature can reduce stress hormones and refocus your attention.
Finding healthier alternatives, such as journaling or physical exercise, can also help.