Cleveland Clinic Responds to Recent Tragedies, Says Violent Videos on Social Media Are Fueling Anxiety

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Countless violent and graphic videos have surfaced on social media this week in the wake of recent tragedies, leaving many people overwhelmed, anxious and emotionally drained.

“When we're seeing violence on social media, it in itself is traumatizing. And often on social media, things are not blocked out. And so, you're seeing the entire thing, which is not something that most of us are used to,” said Dr. Chivonna Childs, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Childs explained that it is normal to feel upset after watching a violent video and strongly advises against rewatching the same footage or seeking out similar content. Instead, she encourages people to take a break from social media and redirect their attention toward positive activities such as going outside, playing uplifting music, watching a favorite television show or spending time with friends and family.

For those who feel compelled to keep digging into graphic content, Childs warns the consequences can be harmful. “If you are that person that goes down the rabbit hole, you have to dig, you're like a reporter and you want to know all the bits and pieces, be wary of how you feel when you're doing it and after you're doing it because there are after effects. This is why people have nightmares. This is why they ask you not to sleep with your TV on. And if you are going to sleep with your TV on, be mindful of what's playing in the background because those things can seep into our cognitive spaces. We don’t want that,” she said.

Childs also emphasized the importance of reaching out for professional help if feelings of anxiety or depression become overwhelming. She recommends that parents use parental controls on children’s devices to limit exposure to graphic material, and if conversations are necessary, they should be tailored in an age-appropriate manner.

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