Happy Tuesday!
Viral videos of violence are causing a new form of psychological injury, especially harmful to children and teenagers.
Mental health professionals warn against watching graphic content, as it can lead to secondary trauma—a type of PTSD.
Secondary trauma occurs when people learn about or help someone who has experienced trauma.
It used to primarily affect first responders and criminal investigators, but social media has made body camera footage and violent bystander videos more accessible than ever.
Social media algorithms also often amplify this content, increasing exposure.
This is particularly concerning for children and adolescents, who are more exposed to such content than ever before.
“Young people are particularly vulnerable because anything they view feels close to them,” Kathleen Lyons, a licensed counselor, told The Epoch Times.
The U.S. surgeon general has declared a mental health crisis among youth, partly due to the effects of social media.
Some platforms implement age restriction apps and content warnings to protect minors. But they’re not foolproof. Some actively actively seek out or are tricked into view disturbing videos or images online.
Lawmakers are trying to address the issue with new legislation like the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). However, concerns about potential censorship complicate these efforts.
Other premium content this week:
We have a new series on navigating hormonal shifts during menopause.
Part 1 covers hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a treatment that initially had a bad reputation but is now being reconsidered by healthcare providers. Read on to learn what to consider when exploring this option.
Postpartum depression affects an estimated 1 in 7 women following childbirth, as well as 1 in 10 men. Yet, many more may be silently struggling in the shadows. Take a look at the unseen realities of the condition and why it deserves more attention than ever.
