The Mindful Epidemiologist

Friends

You May Not Be Antisocial, Just Out of Practice

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on June 8, 2026

Small changes in daily exposure to other people can quietly alter our interpersonal skills.

Small changes in daily exposure to other people can quietly alter our interpersonal skills.

Artificial Intelligence

AI and the Rise of Cognitive Overload

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on March 19, 2026

AI is transforming how we think and work—but at the cognitive cost of “AI brain fry." These are the pressures driving it, and how we can protect focus, clarity, and well-being.

AI is transforming how we think and work—but at the cognitive cost of “AI brain fry." These are the pressures driving it, and how we can protect focus, clarity, and well-being.

Stress

The Impossible Race: When Machines Make Us Feel Behind

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on November 25, 2025

Feeling behind isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a mismatch between human rhythms and machine speed. This piece explores how technostress affects our health and what we can do about it.

Feeling behind isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a mismatch between human rhythms and machine speed. This piece explores how technostress affects our health and what we can do about it.

Artificial Intelligence

AI, Loneliness, and the Value of Human Connection

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on September 22, 2025

AI companions may soothe briefly, but real human connection is essential for health. Explore neuroscience, risks of AI overuse, and ways to nurture resilience through daily ties.

AI companions may soothe briefly, but real human connection is essential for health. Explore neuroscience, risks of AI overuse, and ways to nurture resilience through daily ties.

Empathy

The Efficiency Trap: How Pursuing Speed Erodes Connection

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on May 20, 2025

In our rush for efficiency, are we losing what makes us human? Explore the hidden cost of speed and the power of slowing down to truly connect.

In our rush for efficiency, are we losing what makes us human? Explore the hidden cost of speed and the power of slowing down to truly connect.

Attention

Reclaiming Attention in an Overconnected World

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on March 21, 2025

Our digital lives are rewiring our brains, eroding focus, and diminishing connection. Screens hijack attention and alter brain chemistry. It’s time to take back control with mindful changes.

Our digital lives are rewiring our brains, eroding focus, and diminishing connection. Screens hijack attention and alter brain chemistry. It’s time to take back control with mindful changes.

Leadership

Why Connection Still Matters at Work

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on October 28, 2024

Managing via email often feels easier, but it can't replace the power of real human connection.

Managing via email often feels easier, but it can't replace the power of real human connection.

Attention

The Lost Art of Eye Contact in the Digital Age

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on June 12, 2024

Our modern lifestyle causes us to lock our eyes more frequently on screens than on human faces, which has significant implications for developing our social skills.

Our modern lifestyle causes us to lock our eyes more frequently on screens than on human faces, which has significant implications for developing our social skills.

Memory

Why the Digital World Is Making Us Forget Things

Melissa J. Perry Sc.D. on February 16, 2024

Technology has made our brains more machine-like. What are we losing when they act as human routers rather than for reading, contemplating, critiquing, synthesizing, and retaining?

Technology has made our brains more machine-like. What are we losing when they act as human routers rather than for reading, contemplating, critiquing, synthesizing, and retaining?