Stress disorder in an age of media disinformation

News channels have become a publicity stunt. All the channels are competing to break the headline first. But have we ever though what these headlines do to the individual’s mind?

It is innate that humans focus primarily on negative news. This is known as ‘negativity bias’ where one can be negatively influenced since childhood. The constant bombardment of ‘bad news’ can easily make individuals desensitised and disillusioned, leading to situations of deep inertia in the minds and can also create massive polarisation. Pakistan’s bad news used to be massive terrorist attacks day in and day out; and now the chaotic headlines of socio-political circumstances are not helping anyone.

When we are exposed to negative news, it leads to stress — called ‘Headline Stress Disorder’ by the American Psychological Association (APA). However, APA has not been able to set certain criteria for those experiencing such a disorder nor has it devised any treatment.

A study has found that about 2.251 per cent of adults faced emotional distress due to Covid. Stress can further lead to various psychological problems such as: post-traumatic stress disorder; a rise in the level of stress hormone, cortisol, in the body; trust issues; insomnia; loneliness; and helplessness. This has led to low levels of confidence in people (like businessmen) as they are worried about their survival needs.

Negative news affects everyone but certain marginalised groups are affected more. These include women on the top as they easily take stress that results in adverse mental health. This was seen in the past following Covid.

Pakistan’s media is overwhelmed with reporting on gender-based violence. Women are drastically affected by such news. It generates fear, risk of being the next target, trust issues and questions about their existence. Constant worrying and increased stress has affected their physical wellbeing. Also, men feel alienated due to constant prejudices present around them. Social media users are easily exposed to the news available on the internet.

While many would claim that traditional media is on the backburner these days, it is still a relevant instrument that is responsible for perception management.

As for social media, it has become increasingly popular amongst the people, especially the youth. Everyone has access to smartphones where they can easily get in touch with the news. The news holders are aware of how to catch the viewers’ sight. Nowadays, the rapid use of visual graphics has increased the chances of adverse mental health. These negative graphics mostly portray harmful images under the banner “sensitive content”. Humans are curious in nature and they want to see things that are hidden. This creates disturbances throughout the day.

When there is an information overload, there are high chances of misinformation as everyone is in competition to give larger amounts of information without authenticating it. This was seen in the pandemic, where information was bombarding social media. It generated anger, worry and fear amongst the people. As a result, decision-making has become difficult for the individuals. When young minds, in particular, are exposed to the constant negative news, they absorb it and develop a negative perception of the world.

There is a level of responsibility on media houses and news channels to take into stock the impact of their news cycles. While most of these issues are, indeed, important to uncover and share to the audiences, there also needs to be positive content creation, something that imparts knowledge as well as wholesome entertainment. While much of these news cycles is unlikely to alter, individuals will have to take control of what they watch and read every day. As for social media, it is hard to say the consumption patterns will change, given a very few avenues of entertainment in the country. People need to feel a sense of safety and security in order to be away from screen time and pursue healthy debates, discussions and physical activities.

Headline stress disorder is a rising phenomenon that can only be curtailed through positive content creation, one that still remains grounded in reality.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2023.

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