JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

People worldwide are currently confronted with a number of environmental and socio-political stressors, which act as a potent source of subjective uncertainty. The uncertainty arising in response to volatility and unpredictability of adversities is amplified by their (mis) representation in media news. While the causal effect of media news on vicarious traumatization has been well established, here we argue that the impact of negative media news is principally related to distress and anxiety stemming from the uncertainty-inducing effect of media representations of states of the world. As a growing body of research suggests, the need to minimize uncertainty related to global stressors is a significant driver of media news use. However, extensive media exposure perpetuates stress and is associated with symptoms of psychopathology. The self-perpetuating vicious circle of worry and excessive media consumption has been amply confirmed by new research related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, attempts to alleviate stress and anxiety stemming from uncertainties often result in maladaptive strategies. In particular, tightening of beliefs and adoption of rigid behavioral patterns may prompt various forms of socially detrimental behavior. Critical factors in prevention and remediation are limiting media overexposure and therapeutic interventions focused on increased tolerance of uncertainty.