get the chrome extension

Get the best new essays in your inbox

A weekly roundup of the highest-rated reads on ponder. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Articles & Essays

Best of 2026 Highest Rated Most Popular Recent Random

Writers

All Writers Highest Rated Most Read

Topics

History Culture Personal Philosophy Science All Topics

More

Lists Publications Community Your Shelf

Site Details

How It Works About Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact

© ponder

The surprising way doomscrolling rewires your brain

By Julia Ries Wexler · National Geographic · September 2025

The surprising way doomscrolling rewires your brain

7.01 ratings·1 reads logged

"Experts say graphic images, nonstop outrage, and the 24/7 negative news cycle don’t just upset us—they alter our stress response and harm mental health."

Read full essay at National Geographic ↗

Added by @colin

Found In These Lists

colin's September 2026 List

by colin Brain Rot

Comments

Sign in to leave a comment.

Loading comments…

Publication

National Geographic

Avg score 7.8 · 35 essays

Stats

1

Ratings

1

Reads

0

Comments

0

Saved

2

Lists

0

Favorites

Topics

Technology Culture Psychology

More from National Geographic

There might be 3 different types of ADHD, new brain study suggests

You Might Also Like

Is doom scrolling really rotting our brains? The evidence is getting harder to ignore

7.0(1)

Is doom scrolling really rotting our brains? The evidence is getting harder to ignore

Siân Boyle · The Guardian

The biomimicry innovations inspired by Earth’s colder climes

8.0

The Surprising Secret Weapon Against Spotted Lanternflies

The Genetics of Being a Lightweight Drinker

(1)

The biomimicry innovations inspired by Earth’s colder climes

Johnny Langenheim · National Geographic

Opinion | The Truth About Brain Rot: It’s a Cry for Help

9.0(1)

Opinion | The Truth About Brain Rot: It’s a Cry for Help

Maxi Heitmayer · The New York Times

The Internet’s AI Slop Problem Is Only Going to Get Worse

9.0(1)

The Internet’s AI Slop Problem Is Only Going to Get Worse

Max Read · Intelligencer