Disturbing war content negatively impacts the psychological wellbeing of youth, according to a UN study.
In the digital age, young people, even those far removed from conflict areas, are not immune to the emotional distress and psychological impacts of viewing graphic and conflict-related media online. A recent Unicef report found that six out of 10 young people felt overwhelmed by news and events, and access to support and effective coping mechanisms remained a challenge [1].
Doomscrolling, the act of endlessly scrolling through social media or news feeds, has significant negative effects on young people's mental health, particularly by exposing them to secondary trauma. This resembles post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), causing symptoms such as emotional numbness, persistent sadness or anxiety, irritability, and anger [1].
The nervous system reacts as if directly experiencing the trauma, not just passively observing it, leading to symptoms like emotional detachment, sleep problems, burnout, and stress [3][4]. Moreover, doomscrolling activates the brain's dopamine system, similar to addictive behaviors, making it hard to control and contributing to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression [2][3].
To address these issues, several approaches are suggested. Media literacy programs that teach young people to critically evaluate information and misinformation can reduce anxiety related to distressing content [1]. Developing coping mechanisms and resilience-building strategies can help manage secondary trauma and emotional responses [1]. Encouraging mindfulness and awareness of physical and emotional responses to doomscrolling can help individuals regulate their phone usage and reduce harm [3][4]. Promoting a healthy relationship with phones, such as limiting screen time and avoiding news checks first thing in the morning or last thing at night, can mitigate mental health risks [2][3].
In the UAE, discussions are underway to explore how services can be introduced and tailored to meet local needs, with a long-term goal of building sustainable partnerships to address gaps in child and adolescent mental health support [5]. Antony Bainbridge, head of clinical services at the UK Resicare Alliance, is in talks to expand youth mental health support to the UAE [6].
The problem of secondary trauma caused by constant exposure to graphic and emotionally charged content via social media is worsening, particularly with some regions experiencing prolonged instability [7]. It is crucial to reduce exposure to such content, improve digital literacy, and foster mindful use of technology to mitigate doomscrolling’s harmful effects on young people's mental health [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Resicare Alliance. (n.d.). Secondary Trauma and Young People. Retrieved from https://www.resicarealliance.org/secondary-trauma-and-young-people/
[2] The Conversation. (2021, March 10). How social media is affecting young people's mental health. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/how-social-media-is-affecting-young-peoples-mental-health-154603
[3] American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Secondary Traumatic Stress. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/secondary-traumatic-stress
[4] Mind. (n.d.). Secondary Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/looking-after-your-mental-health/secondary-trauma/
[5] Khaleej Times. (2021, February 24). UAE mental health experts discuss the impact of social media on children's mental health. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/life/family/uae-mental-health-experts-discuss-the-impact-of-social-media-on-childrens-mental-health
[6] Gulf News. (2021, March 22). UK charity to expand mental health support for young people in the UAE. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/uk-charity-to-expand-mental-health-support-for-young-people-in-the-uae-1.78102264
[7] Unicef. (2020). The State of the World's Children 2021: Equity for Children. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/reports/state-of-the-worlds-children-2021/
- Young people in Palestine, much like those in other parts of the world, may face emotional distress and psychological impacts after viewing graphic and conflict-related videos online, as studies have shown that exposure to such content can cause symptoms of secondary trauma and contribute to mental health challenges.
- In the Middle East, there is growing concern about the mental health impacts of doomscrolling, especially in regions like Israel and the Gulf where conflicts are ongoing and instability persists, leading to an increased exposure to graphic and emotionally charged content.
- The World Health Organization, in collaboration with organizations like Unicef, could investigate the Directorate of Health Services in the UAE to develop and implement mental health initiatives addressing the unique needs of young people in the region, focusing on building resilience, promoting mindfulness, and improving digital literacy.
- As part of its health and wellness initiatives, the UAE government could collaborate with international mental health organizations like the Resicare Alliance and Mind to design and implement specialized video content that raises awareness about the harmful effects of doomscrolling and offers strategies for managing mental health and coping with secondary trauma.
- News outlets across the world, from the BBC to Al Jazeera, have featured interviews with experts in the field of psychology and science, discussing the negative impact of graphic videos and doomscrolling on young people's mental health, as well as solutions for addressing the issue.
- To combat these negative effects, school curricula in Palestine and other conflict regions could incorporate health-and-wellness lessons, including modules on mental health, stress management, and digital literacy, helping young people develop the skills necessary to navigate the digital age in a healthy and balanced way.
