When Violence Goes Viral | Psychology Today

Political and interpersonal violence is prevalent in society, yet the current generation faces unique challenges due to the rapid spread of graphic content online. Footage depicting political assassinations, war crimes, and acts of racial violence can circulate quickly on social media, often reaching young people without adequate context.

Studies indicate that exposure to this type of media can adversely affect mental health. For instance, research following the Boston Marathon bombing revealed that frequent engagement with related media was linked to increased acute stress. Moreover, recent studies have shown that exposure to coverage of school shootings correlates with symptoms of depression and PTSD among adolescents.

Brendesha Tynes, a researcher at the University of Southern California, has investigated the impact of online exposure to racially charged traumatic events on mental health. Her findings suggest that encountering such content is associated with increased depressive and PTSD symptoms, regardless of whether individuals share similar racial or ethnic identities. Tynes emphasizes that both direct and indirect exposure to online violence can lead to negative mental health outcomes.

The algorithms governing social media platforms often promote extreme or misleading content, which can distort young people’s interpretations of events. This underscores the necessity for open discussions and media literacy to mitigate potential harm.

• Why it matters: The mental health implications of online violence are significant for children and adolescents, increasing the urgency for parents and educators to foster supportive environments.
• The latest: Recent studies continue to explore the connections between media exposure and mental health, highlighting ongoing concerns about the effects of digital content on young audiences.