Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Practices
March 25, 2024
How Do I Improve My Social Fitness (and Why Should I)?
April 8, 2024
In this increasingly digital world, we are continually faced with a barrage of information. Although there are many benefits to this connectivity, (such as the ability to connect with family and friends across the world and learn new things) there are also drawbacks to the digital world. In particular, our news feeds can increase feelings of distress and hopelessness in a variety of ways. It is important to be aware of these impacts so that we can take action to mitigate it.
Crisis Fatigue:
Continual reporting of negative events such as the global pandemic, war, and economic downturn can result in crisis fatigue. This is where we feel a sense of exhaustion from hearing distressing events reported again and again. While it is important to be aware of current events and to take appropriate action in our own lives and communities, it is critical to be mindful of how much of this type of information we are consuming and its impact on our mental health.
Social Comparison:
On social media, we may see friends, family, and strangers posting highlights, memorable moments, and intimate details of their lives. Although it can be enjoyable to consume this content, it can also promote social comparison. When we compare our own lives to what others choose to show us on their social media accounts it can lead us to feel inadequate. It is important to remember that social media is not always telling the whole story, and to take a step back from these apps as needed.
Information Overload:
Whether we are consuming news websites, social media, or any other number of platforms there is no shortage of information available to us. This information may be positive, negative, or anywhere in between but nonetheless, it can become overwhelming and hard to process if we are spending a lot of time online. This is particularly true if we are consuming content that is distressing, violent, or disturbing. It is good to be aware of your limits when it comes to processing information, and to limit the amount of distressing news you consume.
Negativity Bias:
Unfortunately, much of the news that is published and reported on often has high shock value so as to generate clicks, likes, and views. News outlets focus on sensationalized and negative events even though they may make up just a small percentage of worldwide events. It is important to be mindful of this when we are consuming information online.
If you think you may be experiencing hopelessness, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. If you’re interested in booking a free consultation with a therapist who may be able to assist you, give us a call today at 250-718-9291.
Interested in learning more? Check out these resources on how to combat hopelessness:
- https://www.healthyscreens.com/strategies
- https://jedfoundation.org/resource/understanding-social-comparison-on-social-media/
- https://psychcentral.com/addictions/coping-with-cell-phone-addiction
- Check out some of our offered services here – https://okclinical.com/general-counselling/
- If you are looking to connect further or receive support around forgiveness, please get in touch with us at 250-718-9291 or email us at info@okclinical.com.
Written by: Charlotte Spafford, Practicum Student
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