Consent Preferences

intergenerational transmission of trauma

Social Media & Chronic Trauma: The Impact of Police Brutality and Social Media Imagery on Mental Health

Social Media & Chronic Trauma: The Impact of Police Brutality and Social Media Imagery on Mental Health

As protestors continue to take to the streets across the country, highlighting ongoing systemic racism, social media is amplifying these messages. Videos and photos depicting police violence toward protestors such as shooting them with rubber bullets, driving cruisers into crowds, and throwing tear gas at protestors can be viewed daily, across social media platforms. According to research, while this imagery shines light on racism and aims to bolster efforts in fighting it, the explosion of content can also cause and reinforce trauma, especially for black people. Trauma and the possibility of symptoms of PTSD can occur due to the accumulation of experiences of racism and discrimination.