Social Media News Is Impacting Latinx Mental Health More Than You Think
Healthy media consumption might not be a priority in an era of political polarization, digital overload and endless social media apps. However, failing to set standards and boundaries can take a toll on our mental well-being.
There might be a science-backed explanation behind why you physically feel unwell after consuming the news for long periods of time. Experts and research agree that constant exposure to negative news can drive feelings of distress, anxiety, and despair. Likewise, consuming too much information might trigger stress, irritability, fatigue and even physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia.
People fall into a loop of negative news consumption for various reasons. For one, just like other addictive patterns, scrolling can activate the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine. “So we create a feedback loop in which we seek out negative news: feel anxious yet momentarily rewarded by new data, then seek more,” Susan Tapert, Ph.D. and professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine, explained to the UC San Diego Today.
A tendency to pay attention to unfavorable events and traits, often credited to evolution and survival instinct, might also come into play. Best known as negativity bias, this psychological phenomenon explains why people pay more attention to pessimistic headlines and dwell on bad news more often. Boredom, anxiety, seeking control and the so-called fear of missing out can also contribute to mindless news monitoring.
As one of the most digitally engaged communities, Latinxs tend to keep up with news through digital devices and social media. A survey from the Pew Research Center found that, in the US, the Latinx community (21%) is more likely to get their news from social media platforms than white Americans (10%) and Black Americans (15%).
With social media becoming both a source of entertainment and news content, the fine line between information and media saturation is increasingly hard to define. This leaves Latinxs exponentially exposed to doomscrolling and, in consequence, to mental health distress related to news consumption.
“The political climate, particularly in recent months, has made it increasingly difficult for many Latinxs to remain engaged with current events without experiencing high levels of stress,” says Jacqueline Garcia, LCSW, a bilingual therapist who has built a strong social media presence by sharing resources for the Latinx community. “This can create a constant sense of fear and anxiety within the Latino community, making it emotionally taxing to stay informed. Concerns about deportation, family separation, and discrimination weigh heavily, leading to what is known as collective trauma—a shared psychological impact experienced by a group due to repeated or ongoing stressors.”
Though staying on top of the news is crucial to know what is happening in the world and our communities, without a healthy approach, keeping up with current events can be overwhelming.
Therapist, author and speaker, Patricia Alvarado, MA, LPCC, LMHC, notes that intention and boundaries set apart doomscrolling from consuming news with informative purposes. After all, she says, being informed should be a source of empowerment.
“Keeping yourself updated means checking reliable news sources at set times and being mindful of how much information you are taking in,” the Alvarado Therapy founder tells Healthy Vibras. “Doomscrolling is much more compulsive. It often becomes a late-night habit that is usually without pause or purpose. The mindfulness is gone. Doomscrolling also tends to bring up a lot of big emotions, like increased anxiety. It can even disrupt your sleep.”
Breaking the cycle of doomscrolling requires time and discipline, but simple actions can go a long way. Garcia advises balancing the need to stay informed with self-care practices. “Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and seeking professional support when needed can provide emotional relief and build resilience during uncertain times,” she says. Additionally, she recommends being intentional about media consumption and focusing on actionable content such as information related to advocacy goals.
Alvarado, on the other hand, points out the importance of setting time limits for news reading and listening to our bodies. “Use your phone as a tool by setting alarms to help you put the phone down and engage in a different task,” she recommends. “With that, notice how you feel in your body. Are you feeling calm when doomscrolling, or are you feeling anxious and hypervigilant? Our bodies tell us many of the answers we are seeking if we take a little time to pay attention.”
Finally, both experts agree on the importance of cultivating healthy routines and talking to professionals if needed.
Garcia encourages people to curate their feeds with diverse perspectives and reliable sources, instead of engaging with emotionally heavy content. This can help maintain a balanced view on topics. She also reminds people that many mental health professionals, including herself, are offering free resources and guidance.
Checking the news twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, is enough to be well-updated, says Alvarado. She adds that turning notifications off can also help avoid information overload. Above everything, Alvarado stresses, protect your peace. “If the story hits home for you, there is a good chance that you might go down the rabbit hole. Give yourself permission to make space for what you may need at that moment. Process your feelings with loved ones or a mental health professional. There is no reason why you need to go through this alone.”
