Collective Trauma, Shared on Social Media, Has Led to Compassion Fatigue.<br />'Newsweek' reports that, thanks to social media, <br />the world now has a front-row seat for all <br />of the terrible things that happen every day. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that, thanks to social media, <br />the world now has a front-row seat for all <br />of the terrible things that happen every day. .<br />It would seem that the whole range <br />of human suffering is accessible <br />anywhere with a cell signal.<br />It would seem that the whole range <br />of human suffering is accessible <br />anywhere with a cell signal.<br />As a result, America's mental health has taken a hit.<br />According to a widely-cited 2013 study of the impact <br />of viewing graphic news footage on mental health, , "vicariously experienced events <br />can become collective traumas.".<br />This means that all the suffering viewed, throughout the various forms of media , can trigger real stress responses in viewers.<br />This can lead to negative health outcomes, including , cumulative damage to one's mental health. .<br />According to 'Newsweek,' Americans spend at least one hour a day on social media, with those between the ages of 16 and 29 online three hours a day. .<br />According to 'Newsweek,' Americans spend at least one hour a day on social media, with those between the ages of 16 and 29 online three hours a day. .<br />Compassion fatigue is a condition often seen <br />in health professionals who are exposed<br />to human suffering on a daily basis. .<br />The condition is characterized by feelings of helplessness, isolation, numbness and avoidance. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that meditation, time spent in nature, regular exercise and creative activities all have been shown to reduce the symptoms of compassion fatigue. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that meditation, time spent in nature, regular exercise and creative activities all have been shown to reduce the symptoms of compassion fatigue. .<br />As horrifying events continue to unfold on smartphones<br />around the world, people must learn how to remain engaged <br />and empathetic while safeguarding their own mental health. .<br />As horrifying events continue to unfold on smartphones<br />around the world, people must learn how to remain engaged <br />and empathetic while safeguarding their own mental health.
