In a digitally interconnected world, people across the globe are constantly confronted with the realities of war, death and destruction on their screens. This pervasive exposure to human suffering not only challenges our collective conscience but also necessitates the imperative need to address the complex psychological impact it leaves in its wake.
The human brain’s intricate response to viewing distressing content, especially on social media, offers a fascinating glimpse into the damaging impact such exposure can have. When individuals are confronted with graphic and traumatic images, the brain’s stress response system, particularly the amygdala, becomes activated, creating heightened emotional arousal and increased reactivity. What’s truly intriguing is how our possession of mirror neurons enables us to experience the impact of these videos and photos as if the events were happening to us personally. These neurons are responsible for our ability to experience empathy and relatedness.
The chronic exposure to distressing content disrupts the brain’s stress-regulating systems, impacting the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to notable changes in brain structure and function. Specifically, regions responsible for emotional processing and regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, are affected. This intricate interplay highlights the complexity of the human perception and emotional processing in this digital age.
This can impact sleep by triggering anxious thoughts and a busier brain, a process that contradicts our need to shut down the cognitive process and sleep. For instance, activating the parasympathetic nervous system becomes much more difficult and less possible when preoccupied with the images seen on social media and the news throughout the day.
In addition to the immediate impact on brain function, prolonged exposure to traumatic images on social media and news outlets can contribute to neurobiological changes associated with conditions such as PTSD. This is made concrete by having an immediate impact on the limbic system in the form of enlarging the amygdala; the equivalence of the alarm center of the brain responsible for our survival and detection of danger. Hence viewing death, triggers our survival brain to be online and more alert due to the violence we are witnessing. Consequentially, the hippocampus, the area where we store our most meaningful memories, some of which are the most traumatic as well, may be reopened. Hence the ongoing violence may trigger these memories to resurface and require processing by mental health professionals.
In summary, exposure to distressing digital content has been demonstrated to significantly impact the well-being of diverse groups, including journalists, human rights workers, and the general population. This impact can manifest as disruptions in sleep patterns, mental health, strained relationships, and negative professional consequences. Additionally, working with violent content has been associated with symptoms of trauma, anxiety and depression, often compounded by limited access to therapeutic support during those times of stress and war. It is important to mention the fact that these journalists go towards the danger to convey the gruesome reality we are witnessing.
Social media misuse has the potential to manipulate and divide us through strategies that can impact mental health, such as the dissemination of fake news, the spread of hatred, and the manipulation of graphic photos using AI (Artificial intelligence). It is important for individuals to be discerning consumers and to recognize when it is essential to limit exposure to distressing content, particularly during times of conflict and uncertainty. The potential of these techniques and technologies to impact the masses is scary and alarming. Shedding the light on the importance of providing education and awareness around use or misuse of online content today may have an immense impact on defusing tension and hatred. This can create a ripple effect capable of swaying nations towards a more rational and stable outcome. This can also provide immunity from government agendas that are becoming more at odds with its citizens who are clearly demanding human rights to prevail.
Understanding the impact of exposure to violence on the nervous system highlights the need for responsible content sharing, creating supportive online environments, and providing resources for affected individuals. It’s vital to emphasize the significance of therapy and psychiatric support in helping individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of exposure to violent content. Access to therapeutic resources and the establishment of supportive networks are crucial to get through difficult times. Journalists, refugees, directly impacted citizens, young men ordered to fight, online consumers of the war, and all of us will need various psychological interventions to deal with human tragedy.
Looking ahead to 2024, let us dedicate ourselves to making it a year of fundamental change for human rights, specifically for the underprivileged and impoverished individuals across the globe. By prioritizing global cooperation and advocating for equitable, inclusive solutions, we can aim to create a world where the rights and well-being of all citizens, especially the marginalized, are safeguarded and upheld. Hopefully, we pivot to a world that reprioritizes the human being as the most valuable and sacred.
