“Like, Share, Relive”: Exploring the mental health effects of viewing racial violence on social media for young Black adults Restricted; Files Only
Banner, Ionie (Spring 2023)
Published
Abstract
Background. Social media has become a vital tool to spread awareness about racial violence toward Black people. However, studies have demonstrated the negative mental health effects exposure to police brutality has on the Black community, highlighting that Black people experience 0.14 more poor mental health days per police killing. Because of this, there is growing concern regarding the long-term impact of exposure to racial violence through social media.
Methodology. In-depth interviews with Black-identifying participants aged 18-29 in Atlanta, GA were conducted. Participants discussed how exposure to racial violence through social media impacted their social media use, mental health, and life outlook. Participants also discussed how their personal experiences altered the effects of exposure.
Results. 70% of participants (N=10) were exposed to racial violence 1-2 times a week on social media. Participants reported feeling desensitized, destabilized, terrified, and hopeless after viewing racial violence on social media. Participants’ shared identity with victims increased the videos’ impact on their mental health, increasing their concern that a negative encounter with police or civilians would make them the subject of another viral video. These effects led to decreased utilization of social media sites.
Conclusion. Results aligned with and built on current literature, showing the negative mental health effects of being exposed to racial violence on social media. This study calls for more research on the impact of vicarious racial trauma through social media and interventions to mitigate negative health effects. Social media policy solutions should be explored to reduce exposure to traumatizing content.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
Introduction and Rationale
Problem Statement
Context
Why It Matters?
Purpose Statement
Aims and Objectives
Research Questions
Theoretical Framework
Significance Statement
Definition of Terms
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
History of Racial and State Violence
Current State of Racial Violence
Civilian Violence
Racial Socialization
The Role of Media and Social Media
Media as Justification
Social Media
Black Mental Health
Current State
Race-Related Stress and Trauma
Impact of Viewing Racial Violence on Social Media
The Present Study
Chapter Three: Methods
Enrollment Methods
Recruitment
Eligibility
Consent
Measures
Demographic Data
Exposure to Racial Violence
Effects of Exposure
Race/Ethnicity Definitions
Data Collection
Collection
Contextual Data
Analysis
Chapter Four: Results
Introduction
Survey Results
Sample Demographics
Exposure and Effects
In-Depth Interviews
Making Sense of the Videos
Selective Engagement
Self vs The Movement
It Could Be Me
Skewed Normalcy
Double-Edged Sword
Conclusion
Chapter Five: Discussion
Introduction
Summary of Study
Overview of Findings
Strengths and Limitations
Implications and Future Directions
Conclusion
References
Appendices
About this Master's Thesis
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File download under embargo until 18 May 2024 | 2023-05-14 19:16:00 -0400 | File download under embargo until 18 May 2024 |
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