Doomscrolling can trigger FOMO-induced anxiety: Neuroscientist explains how to detox from digital stress of social media comparisons

We live in a world where endless feeds and highlight reels are just a swipe away. But neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki, professor at the New York University Center for Neural Science, warns that this seemingly harmless habit of doomscrolling can chip away at our self-worth and lead to low-grade anxiety. In her recent Instagram post, she unpacks why petty social media comparisons can quietly disturb our mental balance.

The Science of Feeling Small
“Have you ever logged off of social media and suddenly your life feels a little smaller?” Suzuki asks in her video. According to her, it’s not just imagination. The brain reacts to scrolling in two rapid stages. First, short bursts of dopamine provide quick reward hits. Then, feelings of lack and FOMO (fear of missing out) activate the brain’s threat system. The back-and-forth creates what Suzuki calls a “mental hangover,” leaving behind anxiety, self-doubt, and a shrinking sense of self.

A Simple Reset
To counter this, Suzuki suggests a practical strategy: a 24-hour comparison detox. Instead of measuring your life against curated social media reels, she recommends filling that time with nourishing outlets like writing, painting, or even taking a walk in nature. The goal is to reconnect with your own values rather than algorithm-driven validation.

She also advises keeping a digital note of personal “real wins”—achievements or moments that genuinely matter to you. This conscious shift, she says, rewires the brain to build lasting self-worth.

Suzuki’s advice stems from decades of research in neuroscience and brain plasticity. She has long studied how lifestyle choices influence brain function, publishing works such as Healthy Brain, Happy Life: A Personal Program to Activate Your Brain and Do Everything Better. Today, as Dean of NYU’s College of Arts & Science, she continues to bridge cutting-edge science with everyday well-being.

Why It Matters Now
At a time when social media is deeply embedded in daily life, Suzuki’s insights act as a reminder that comparison is, indeed, “a thief”—and platforms are often the ones handing it the keys. Her suggestion isn’t about abandoning technology altogether, but about reclaiming mental clarity by building a healthier relationship with it.

So the next time your thumb hovers over the scroll bar, consider this: a short detox may not just save your time, it could also restore your peace of mind.