International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
By: Jane Tucker
Over the last decade, technology has developed at breakneck speed. Most Americans now own some form of smart phone and at least one other portable Internet-enabled device (laptop computer, tablet, ipad, etc.). Through these devices, we connect to media and social media accounts that bring the news of the world to our fingertips. Research indicates that 68% of Americans read news online and many of those learn of world happenings via social networking applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (Shearer & Matsa, 2018). Psychologist David M. Reiss stated, “we are now in the ‘uncharted waters’ of almost constant exposure to social media. Via social media we can now be repetitively, intensely, and even personally engaged in events immediately after they happen or even while they are occurring” (Kim, 2013, para. 3). For the frontline first responder, media exposure (or re-exposure) may lead to distress and burnout.
As we know, first responders are in the unique position to see challenging events (critical incidents) as a routine part of the job or volunteer service. While we know much about the influence of critical incident stress on first responders, we know less about the secondary effect of media and social media exposure on first responders. Studies of the psychological impact of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 showed that civilians who were exposed to media coverage of the events had similar symptoms to those who saw the events unfold in person (Boyle et al., 2003). Pfefferbaum et al. (2014) found that that the length of exposure to media coverage of disasters (man-made and natural disasters) these types of events is related to psychological outcomes of the viewer. As first responders are often in attendance at the event, secondary exposure through media accounts (news and social media) may exacerbate psychological reactions to the incident.
There is anecdotal evidence that police, in particular, are feeling quite stressed about the portrayal of their occupation on the nightly news and in critical social media posts. According to a Pew Research study conducted in 2017, 81% of police officers surveyed, either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “In general, the media treat police unfairly”. Three years later, with the call to “defund the police” and a politically divided country, the sentiment grows stronger. At the same time, police officers are facing increased scrutiny over their own social media activity. After the Plain View Project (www.plainviewproject.org) publicized information on social media accounts of police officers, some officers faced investigation, and some dismissal, for their activities on social media. This report stimulated the development of social media policies for those departments that had not yet adopted them.
In short, we live in precarious times where a global pandemic, social unrest and political divisions are in the forefront. All these issues strongly effect first responders who are still responding to incidents daily and facing the secondary stress of negative feedback from the news media and social media. The question becomes, how can first responders mediate media stress? The answers are quite simple, but often overlooked.
First, reactions to stress have been shown to have a dose-response relationship. As media consumers, we can adjust our exposure to news media and social media. One strategy to mediate media stress is to “lower the volume”, “dial it back”, limit exposure to news and social media. Studies show that the average American today (over age 18), spends 11 hours a day on electronic media (TV, radio, smart phones, computers, etc.) (Neilsen, 2018). With access to news at the touch of a fingertip, it sometimes becomes automatic to check news and social media content on a regular basis. To avoid overexposure to media, purposely schedule your daily consumption of news and social media so that you control it, it does not control you. Set limits. Set aside a 30-minute period to watch the news or catch up on local, national, and international events.
Secondly, filter the noise from social media. Social media platforms offer user controls to delete, snooze or hide posts that cause aggravation or stress. You have the controls at your fingertips. If that old college friend you haven’t seen since 1986 is posting commentary that causes you to be angry or stressed, delete him. If Aunt Smith only seems to be able to share political views in a controversial way, snooze her. The option always exists to delete the entire account or take a social media break for a month or so.
First responders who were physically present at the scene of a critical incident, should avoid the secondary trauma of revisiting that incident in news media and social media accounts. These accounts are sometimes vastly different (fake news) from the real experiences of first responders at the scene and this dichotomy has been known to be an additional stressor, particularly where the incident is being viewed from a civil or criminal liability standpoint.
Lastly, find a good distraction from the negatives of news media and social media. When stress peaks, do something that has the potential to mediate the effect. Some find peace with quiet walks in the woods, others by spending time with loved ones. Find that one thing that generally works to bring down your stress levels and commit to it.
We live in difficult times. We are facing a social unrest, political controversy and a global pandemic at the same time. The day-to-day routine of first responders has been challenged by these events. Exposure to news media and social media may exacerbate the stress of living in these times. It is important to acknowledge the impact of stress from news media and social media exposure, particularly for first responders, and make a plan to mediate it.
Biography
Dr. Jane M. Tucker is a former police officer turned educator. She is an Associate Professor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, serving in the Department of Criminal Justice. Her research focus is police officer stress. Her current research project involves the study of the effect of media and social media on first responders. She serves as a peer on several CISM Teams in Pennsylvania and is an ICISF Instructor.
References:
Cho, J., Boyle, M.P., Keum, H., Shevy, M. D., McLeod, D.M., & Shah, D.V. (2003). Media, terrorism, and emotionality: Emotional differences in media contact and reactions to the September 11th terrorist attacks. Journal of Broadcasting & Electric Media, 47(3), p. 390–327.
Kim, J. (2013). Media exposure to traumatic events can be more stressful than being there. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/anxiety/media-exposure-to-traumatic-events-can-be-more-stressful-than-being-there-5010.aspx
Morin, R., Parker, K., Stepler, R., & Mercer, A. (2017). Behind the Badge: Amid protests and calls for reform, how police view their jobs, key issues, and recent fatal encounters between blacks and police. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/01/11/behind-the-badge/
Neilsen.com. (2018). The Nielsen Total Audience Report: Q1 2018. Nielsen.com. https://www.nielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/q1-2018-total-audience-report.pdf
Shearer, E. & Mastsa, K.E. (2018). News use across social media platforms 2018. Pew Research Center. https://www.journalism.org/2018/09/10/news-use-across-social-media-platforms-2018/
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