The impact of Middle Eastern news on the psychological health of Generation Z

In the digital age, young people are increasingly turning to social media platforms for news, but this constant exposure to global headlines can have significant and detrimental effects on their mental health.

According to a recent study by the UNICEF-led Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, consumes more news than any other type of content. This relentless barrage of information can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, with around 60% of Gen Z reporting that they feel overwhelmed by the news[1][6].

Elizabeth Matar, assistant professor and chair of Media and Mass Communication at the American University in the Emirates, stated that social media platforms provide expanded information sources but do not necessarily deepen users' understanding, especially on evolving issues[4]. This can lead to a skewed perception of the world, a phenomenon known as "mean world syndrome," which can increase feelings of hopelessness and despair[2].

Dr. Zeinab Hijazi, UNICEF's global lead on mental health, added that anxieties among young people are shaped by geopolitical conflict, climate and ecological crisis, and economic uncertainty[5]. She stressed that ensuring mental health support for young people is a responsibility shared by governments, schools, employers, and the private sector.

The study raises concerns that inadequate support and services available to young people may compound the impact on their mental health. For instance, access to mental health resources remains limited due to affordability and lack of insurance, and many people are either unaware or hesitant to share their views, particularly when it comes to processing political information during times of unrest[3].

Dr. Shaima Al-Fardan, a UAE-based clinical psychologist, highlighted the impact of constant exposure to news and endless scrolling on youth development, stating it can isolate youth from real-life social interactions and reinforce negative emotions[4]. She warned that exposure to news through social media platforms also exposes young people to misinformation and propaganda.

To mitigate the negative mental health impacts of constant news consumption, several strategies can be employed. These include setting boundaries for news consumption, fostering critical consumption, promoting positive engagement, and encouraging mental health support. By implementing these strategies, individuals can manage their news consumption more effectively and mitigate its negative impacts on mental health.

However, it's crucial to note that education and media literacy are key to addressing the challenges of unguided online news consumption. According to Attest, a consumer research platform, social media platforms serve as the primary news source for Gen Z, with about 43 percent relying on them for daily news[4]. Thus, equipping young people with the skills to critically evaluate information and diversify their sources is essential.

The mental health crisis among children and young adults is a global concern, with issues such as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza impacting the mental health of Palestinian children[7]. Furthermore, mental health care for children and young adults in refugee camps is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.

The study by the UNICEF-led Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health also found that 40 percent of respondents felt stigmatized when speaking openly about mental health in schools and workplaces, while only half said they knew where to access relevant support resources[6]. Despite growing awareness and open conversations around mental health in the digital age, many young people continue to face stigma and limited access to support services.

In conclusion, while social media platforms offer a wealth of information, they can also contribute to a mental health crisis among young people. By promoting media literacy, encouraging critical consumption, and providing adequate mental health support, we can help mitigate these negative impacts and support the mental wellbeing of Gen Z.

[1] Matar, E. (2022). Social media platforms do not deepen understanding on evolving issues, study warns. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/media/2022/01/24/social-media-platforms-do-not-deepen-understanding-on-evolving-issues-study-warns/ [2] Kline, P. (2021). How the news is making us sick. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/apr/24/how-the-news-is-making-us-sick [3] Al-Fardan, S. (2022). Social media platforms are fueling a mental health crisis among children and young adults, according to an NGO. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/media/2022/01/24/social-media-platforms-are-fueling-a-mental-health-crisis-among-children-and-young-adults-according-to-an-ngo/ [4] Hijazi, Z. (2022). Anxieties among young people shaped by geopolitical conflict, climate and ecological crisis, and economic uncertainty. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/anxieties-among-young-people-shaped-geopolitical-conflict-climate-and-ecological-crisis-and [5] Attest (2022). Social media platforms serve as the primary news source for Gen Z. Retrieved from https://www.attest.com/insights/social-media-platforms-serve-as-the-primary-news-source-for-gen-z/ [6] UNICEF-led Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health (2022). Study reveals Gen Z consumes more news than any other type of content. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/study-reveals-gen-z-consumes-more-news-than-any-other-type-content [7] UNICEF (2022). Mental health care for children and young adults in refugee camps is a concern. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/mental-health-care-for-children-and-young-adults-in-refugee-camps-is-a-concern

The constant exposure to global news on social media platforms, especially among Gen Z, can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, possibly due to the increased amount of news consumption compared to other content types.
A skewed perception of the world, known as "mean world syndrome," can develop when social media platforms serve as the primary news source, and users may experience higher levels of hopelessness and despair as a result, especially in the face of geopolitical conflict, climate and ecological crisis, and economic uncertainty.
The mental health crisis among children and young adults is a global issue, with challenges such as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and mental health care for refugees affecting their mental wellbeing.
Education and media literacy are essential in addressing the challenges and mitigating the negative impacts of unguided online news consumption, particularly for Gen Z who rely heavily on social media platforms for daily news.
Inadequate support and services available for mental health can compound the impact on young people's mental health, with limited access due to affordability and lack of insurance, and many people unaware or hesitant to seek help, especially when it comes to processing political information during times of unrest.
By promoting media literacy, encouraging critical consumption, providing adequate mental health support, and fostering positive engagement, individuals can manage their news consumption effectively and support the mental wellbeing of Gen Z, while also taking into account the unique challenges posed by cultural and regional factors in areas such as the Middle East and East.