Adolescents’ Exposure to Violent Content Related to Conflict on Social Media: Qualitative Research

Abstract

Exposure to Violent Content Related to Conflict on Social Media (VCRCSM) significantly impacts youth due to its graphic nature and the young age of those exposed. This study, based on interviews with 31 adolescents aged 13–15 in northern Israel, provides insight into how youth in conflict zones experience VCRCSM. Exposure to VCRCSM influences youth emotionally (e.g., anxiety), physically (e.g., sleep difficulties), and mentally (e.g., changes in perceptions and political views). In addition, we identified several reasons for the vast exposure which include mass distribution on social networks, making it hard to ignore, curiosity, and social pressure. Lastly, the findings of this study expose various coping mechanisms: the interpersonal option—turning to the parents—and the personal option—developing immunity and indifference to the exposure. Due to the global nature of the Internet and the borderless trends that swipe across social media, we believe that this exposure extends far beyond the borders of a country that experiences conflicts and, thus, a phenomenon on a global scale that merits global comprehensive designed solution involving parents, educators, mental health providers, and decision-makers to work toward and provide legal, social, emotional, and psychological support to deal with this phenomenon.