Social Media and the News During Difficult Times

By Lauren MacGregor, MSW, RSW

During difficult times and times of crisis, we depend on social media for a variety of reasons.  We use it to seek comfort and companionship and to offer social support to those who need it.  Social media can be an essential tool for checking in on family and friends, providing emotional support, and organizing resources for people in need.  It can also become an essential source of crucial, up-to-date information and news, especially in situations where things are changing very quickly.  As an immediate source of up-to-date information, it can also causes stress, anxiety, and fear.
 
There are some things to keep in mind when using social media in order to avoid getting overwhelmed, feeling burnt out, or anxious:

• Follow accounts that you know are credible (for example, a journalist from a local or national newspaper, your local news station, or government websites) and stick to those. Choosing a credible source will ensure you are getting up-to-date and accurate information, not fake news!
•  Be wary of articles posted on Facebook and Twitter that seem sensationalized.  When in doubt, check in with your credible source.  Delete or mute accounts that spread fake news, fear mongering, or that make you feel anxious. This is something you can control.
• Limit the number of times you will check the news each day.  If this is really difficult, ask yourself how helpful it is to check the news multiple times a day instead of once in the morning and once later in the afternoon.
• Set a time limit for each check.  It is easy to go down an internet rabbit hole, so set a time limit, such as 30 minutes, and do something pleasant that you enjoy after to help you relax and recharge.
• Think of your computer screen when you have 20 tabs open at once.  What happens? It gets overloaded and freezes or crashes. The same can happen when we get overloaded with information: it’s a lot to process!
• Avoid checking the news before bed (this includes going on social media sites like Twitter that show the news).  Remind yourself that you are going to sleep, and there is nothing more you can do that day.  You did your best, and it’s time to rest.

What should you do if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and anxious after spending too much time on social media?  

• Remember that you can also hit the reset button.  Just like a computer, we have one too! Take a break, take some deep breaths, do some stretches, meditate, go for a walk, write in a journal, practice gratitude, listen to music, read a book, do some colouring, sit in nature, or reach out to a friend who you know will offer positive support.
• Seek out social media sites and follow accounts that make you feel good. Look for the accounts and people who are spreading positivity and sharing good news. Remember, though it’s not always easy, during a time when a lot might be out of your control, you can control what you are seeing online, and how much time you are spending there.

That this is a stressful time, and we are all adjusting. Seeking information on social media is normal. We can have the best intentions to follow the tips laid out above, but we are human, and we make mistakes.