From Screens to Scars: Understanding the Association Between Social Media Engagement and Trauma During Crises and Emergency Situations

Research on mental distress during crises has highlighted the significant psychological impact on populations, yet the role of social media in shaping well-being during such events remains underexplored. This study examines the relationship between social media engagement and trauma levels among adolescents and young adults during crises such as terror attacks and war, distinguishing between “distressing” content (e.g., violent images, kidnappings) and “encouraging” content (e.g., hostage releases, reunions, morale-boosting songs). A total of 505 participants (45% adolescents, 55% young adults) completed online questionnaires assessing demographics, wartime exposure, social media engagement, and trauma levels. Regression analyses revealed that engagement with distressing, but also with encouraging social media content was linked to increased trauma symptoms, even after controlling for demographics and direct exposure to terror or war events. Notably, women reported higher trauma levels than men, and surprisingly, young adults experienced greater trauma than adolescents. Experiencing nearby missile strikes was also a significant predictor of higher trauma levels. These findings fill a crucial gap by underscoring the harmful role of social media in influencing trauma during crises. Understanding the nuanced impacts of both distressing and encouraging content can inform strategies to mitigate trauma. Mental health professionals should consider the dual-edged nature of social media engagement when designing support mechanisms for affected populations.