Amid the overwhelming flow of digital information, Indonesians are facing a new challenge in maintaining emotional stability and mental well-being.
Recently, a surge of news covering controversial government policies, forced dispersal of demonstrations, threats against journalists, stock market volatility, and corruption involving high-ranking officials has triggered frustration, uncertainty, and despair among the public.
This sense of insecurity and loss of trust in the system causes social unrest and deeply affects individuals’ psychological states.
Clinical psychologist Pamela Andari Priyudha emphasized that continuous exposure to distressing news can lead to chronic and collective psychological tension.
“When people feel powerless, they may experience learned helplessness, a condition in which individuals feel incapable of changing their situation even though there are opportunities to do so. This is dangerous as it can lead to collective apathy, frustration, and depression,” explained Priyudha on Wednesday (Apr. 9).
She also highlighted the importance of digital literacy—the ability to search for, evaluate, and use information critically and ethically.
She noted that many people reach premature conclusions by reading headlines or comments without exploring the full context.
Social media plays a significant role in shaping public perception, but unfortunately, not all information circulated on it is accurate.
Anxiety increases when the body remains on high alert due to constant exposure to negative news, and our internal alarm system can become maladaptive if left unchecked.
Priyudha pointed out that certain groups are more vulnerable to the negative effects of distressing news, including parents and the elderly, teenagers and young adults who are overly immersed in social media, and individuals with low digital literacy or limited access to credible information.
She stressed that a person’s emotional regulation skills play a vital role in determining how significantly negative news impacts their mental health.
“I believe it is crucial for individuals, educational institutions, and social communities to actively provide continuous education on digital literacy and emotional regulation skills so that society can become more resilient and psychologically prepared to face the pressures of today’s fast-paced digital age,” she said.
One strategy for maintaining mental health amid massive harmful news exposure is to consciously limit the consumption of anxiety-inducing content, especially during periods of psychological vulnerability.
It is also essential to seek comparative information from various credible sources to gain more objective and balanced perspectives.
Priyudha urged the public not to react immediately to unverified information.
“It’s important to prioritize logic and remain objective. Always cross-check with multiple sources—don’t rely on just one point of view,” the psychologist stressed.
Avoiding emotionally triggering topics such as political conflict or highly polarizing social issues can also serve as a preventive measure.
On the other hand, individuals are encouraged to actively consume content that is positive, inspiring, or constructive to stabilize their mood and foster a more optimistic mindset in daily life.
One psychological technique that can help maintain optimism is self-control.
“We need to recognize the boundaries between what we can and cannot control. Focusing on the roles and responsibilities we can fulfill helps maintain motivation and optimism,” Priyudha added.
Amid today’s increasingly complex and stressful social landscape, offering emotional support to people close to us who are experiencing anxiety becomes an important and meaningful step.
One of the most basic yet effective forms of support is being a good listener—listening to concerns, worries, and frustrations without judgment.
Priyudha, who also teaches at the Department of Economics and Business, UGM Vocational College (SV UGM), underscored the importance of an empathetic approach in such situations.
“Be aware that some people just need to be heard and understood without being judged for their distress due to the flood of negative news they encounter,” she said.
However, before helping others, it is also important to acknowledge and understand our own psychological condition.
This awareness is essential to prevent emotional burnout in those offering support. In many cases, simply connecting someone under mental strain to a competent professional is already a meaningful contribution to collective mental well-being.
Priyudha explained that helping does not always mean solving the problem directly—it can also be a simple but impactful act, like directing someone to the right source of help.
“Before helping, we must be aware of our mental state. If we don’t feel ready, then connect them with professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors,” she added.
Priyudha also highlighted higher education institutions’ strategic and vital role in fostering the psychological resilience of younger generations, particularly by improving digital and mental health literacy.
Educational institutions should serve as academic spaces and support emotional and social development.
Meanwhile, communities also play an essential role in nurturing a healthy and constructive information ecosystem.
Communities carry a moral responsibility to help create a public space free from misinformation, hate speech, and provocative content.
“Through collective efforts, communities can contribute by verifying the accuracy of circulating information, spreading balanced content that includes both positive and negative news, and fostering empathy and solidarity among members of society,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Image: Freepik