Doomscrolling Can Give the Brain ‘Helicopter Brain’ – What Is It?

JAKARTA — Doomscrolling, the habit of continuously scrolling through content or information that triggers negative emotions and stress, has been linked to increased anxiety. For some people, it may also prompt what is known as “helicopter brain”. So what does the term mean?

Steven Resnick, a neurologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, uses “helicopter brain” to describe a nervous system that remains in a state of heightened alert. He said information overload, overstimulation and uncertainty can keep the brain on high alert, activating the autonomic nervous system.

“The autonomic nervous system regulates various bodily functions automatically. The brain keeps scanning for possible danger. When it scans for danger, the autonomic nervous system presses the accelerator,” Resnick said, as quoted by Fox News on Monday (12 October 2026).

He said he often sees patients with a range of physical complaints that are difficult to explain. These include headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, sleep problems, tingling sensations and dizziness.

In some cases, patients have consulted several specialists before finding a possible explanation for their symptoms. “They don’t realise that what they’re feeling is real and is genuinely happening; it is their nervous system that is actually activated,” he said.

Resnick outlined some signs of helicopter brain and strategies for dealing with it. The first step is to recognise the feelings involved, such as fear, anxiety, worry or unease. Then try to be open about them and talk to family, friends, a doctor or a psychologist. When people feel heard, safe and connected to others, their nervous systems can begin to settle.

“Often, not every problem can be solved straight away. Even so, people can begin to feel better over time,” Resnick said.