Constant News Exposure Amplifies Stress in Young People
New York, N.Y. — A recent CBC News report from British Columbia highlights a troubling trend: the relentless stream of news on social media platforms is taking a toll on youth mental health.
The article cites experts who warn that constant exposure to distressing news—ranging from global conflicts to environmental crises—can exacerbate anxiety and feelings of hopelessness among young people. Dr. Rachel Kent, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia, notes, “Young people are bombarded with negative information in real time, and it’s overwhelming their ability to cope.”
The report emphasizes that social media algorithms often prioritize sensational or alarming content, which keeps users engaged but heightens stress. For teenagers and young adults, who spend an average of 4.8 hours daily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, this creates a cycle of emotional overload. The CBC News piece quotes 19-year-old student Maya Chen, who says, “I feel like I can’t escape bad news. It’s everywhere on my feed, and it makes me feel powerless.”
The Science Behind Social Media Stress
Research cited in the CBC News article points to a clear link between social media use and mental health challenges.
A 2024 study from the Canadian Mental Health Association found that 62% of youths aged 13–24 reported increased anxiety due to news consumption on social platforms.
The constant influx of information—often unfiltered and unverified—can trigger a stress response in the brain, leading to heightened cortisol levels.
Dr. Kent explains, “The brain isn’t wired to process this volume of negative stimuli at once. It’s like drinking from a firehose.”
The article also highlights how social media platforms amplify doomscrolling, the compulsive habit of scrolling through negative news.
This behavior, experts say, can lead to sleep disorders, reduced productivity, and even symptoms of depression.
For young people still developing emotional regulation skills, the impact is particularly severe.
The CBC News report references a survey where 74% of Canadian teens admitted to feeling “overwhelmed” by news on platforms like X.
Vulnerable Populations Bear the Brunt
The CBC News story underscores that marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and Indigenous communities, face unique challenges.
These groups often encounter targeted negativity or misinformation online, which compounds existing mental health struggles.
For instance, transgender teens reported feeling “attacked” by hateful comments on social media, which often accompany news stories about gender identity policies.
Similarly, Indigenous youth in British Columbia described feeling despair over news about environmental destruction, which disproportionately affects their communities.
The article quotes community advocate Sarah Black, who works with Indigenous youth: “Seeing constant news about pipelines or deforestation on TikTok feels personal. It’s not just news—it’s their homeland.”
This sentiment reflects a broader issue: social media can amplify systemic inequities, making it harder for vulnerable groups to find respite from distressing content.
Solutions and Strategies for Change
Experts interviewed by CBC News suggest several strategies to mitigate social media’s impact on mental health.
One approach is digital literacy education, teaching young people to critically evaluate news sources and limit exposure to harmful content.
Schools in British Columbia have begun integrating media literacy into curricula, encouraging students to question algorithmic biases and seek out balanced perspectives.
Another solution involves parental guidance and open communication.
Dr. Kent advises caregivers to discuss social media habits with young people, helping them set boundaries like screen-time limits or curated feeds.
The CBC News report also highlights the role of mental health professionals, who are increasingly incorporating social media detox plans into therapy sessions.
These plans encourage users to take breaks from platforms or follow accounts that promote positivity.
Tech companies, too, face growing pressure to address the issue. The CBC News article notes calls for social media platforms to adjust algorithms to prioritize less distressing content.
Some platforms, like Instagram, have introduced features allowing users to filter out sensitive topics, but critics argue these measures fall short. “It’s a start, but it’s not enough,” says Dr. Kent. “We need systemic changes to how platforms operate.”
A Call for Collective Action
The CBC News report serves as a wake-up call for society to address the intersection of social media and mental health. As young people navigate an increasingly connected world, stakeholders—parents, educators, policymakers, and tech companies—must collaborate to create safer digital spaces. This includes investing in mental health resources, promoting digital literacy, and advocating for responsible platform design.
