loader image
Sunday, October 5, 2025
87.4 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

Dealing with Exposure to Violent Videos Online

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

There are countless gruesome and graphic videos being shared on social media following the tragedies in the news this week, and if you’re having a hard time being inundated by that content, you’re not alone – many are feeling sad, anxious and overwhelmed. Image for illustration purposes
There are countless gruesome and graphic videos being shared on social media following the tragedies in the news this week, and if you’re having a hard time being inundated by that content, you’re not alone – many are feeling sad, anxious and overwhelmed. Image for illustration purposes
- Advertisement -

CLEVELAND CLINIC – There are countless gruesome and graphic videos being shared on social media following the tragedies in the news this week, and if you’re having a hard time being inundated by that content, you’re not alone – many are feeling sad, anxious and overwhelmed. 

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

Dr. Childs said it’s completely understandable for someone to be upset after watching a violent video, which is why she advises people to not watch that same video again or anything related to it. 

- Advertisement -

Instead, she recommends taking a break from social media and finding a positive distraction. 

You could go outside and get some fresh air, play happy music or put on a favorite TV show. 

You could also spend time with family and friends. 

But if you are tempted to keep looking at those videos, know it could have negative consequences. 

- Advertisement -

“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 aftereffects. 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,” Dr. Childs explained.

Dr. Childs said if you start to notice extreme feelings of anxiety or depression, it’s important to reach out for help. 

She also suggests using parental controls for your children’s devices to prevent them from seeing graphic videos. 

If you do have a discussion with your kids, make sure it’s in an age-appropriate way. 

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Ignoring cholesterol until middle age is a bad idea

Unhealthy cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Bowers, now a nursing professor at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana, has attempted to address the issue. But she agreed cholesterol management is not something young adults usually worry about.

DHR Health Breast Cancer Symposium, Oct. 11th 

To support providers in the community, the DHR Health Continuing Medical Education Department will host the Breast Cancer Symposium on Saturday, October 11, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, located at 118 Paseo del Prado.

STHS Children’s to Host Monster Jam Patient Meet & Greet, Oct. 9th

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., the pediatric patients at South Texas Health System Children’s will have the opportunity to experience monster truck magic without leaving the hospital grounds.

Daily combo of water, coffee, and tea linked to longevity

water does not only have to come from the ubiquitous water bottle — other drinks and food can provide a good proportion of your daily needs.
- Advertisement -
×