This year, 2024, is an election year in the US, and as another eventful election day quickly approaches, people are already feeling the negative effects on their mental health. During an election year, the constant bombardment of political news and social media updates can take a significant toll on mental health. As individuals strive to stay informed, the relentless cycle of information often leads to heightened stress and anxiety.

Social media, while a valuable tool for instant updates and community engagement, can also become a source of conflict and emotional strain. Echo chambers and polarized discussions amplify these effects, creating a breeding ground for anxiety and unrest. Similarly, the 24-hour news cycle, with its continuous stream of updates and pundit opinions, can blur the line between news and sensationalism, exacerbating feelings of uncertainty and distress.

Social media platforms offer instant updates and a forum for public discourse, making them indispensable during election years. However, this constant stream of information can also amplify stress and anxiety.

During the last election, a 2020 Pew Research Center study found that 55 percent of U.S. adults said “they feel worn out by political posts and discussions.” Social media often creates echo chambers, where users are exposed primarily to viewpoints that reinforce their own in an environment that intensifies emotions and fosters a polarized atmosphere. In a similar survey, 64 percent of Americans felt that social media platforms contributed to a divided society.

During election........

© Psychology Today