How does desensitization to injustice influence minds of those underdeveloped, specifically on social media?

Due to the pandemic, social media skyrocketed in popularity, specifically among the youth. With the internet becoming a necessity and a part of daily life for most during this time, the social media usage surged approximately 50% more than it did in circa 2010s. But how does this expansion of social media use affect how we perceive?

With the internet becoming more normalized as the years go by, more people are using it as a tool of comfort. With many types of content to choose from, it provides a sentiment of connection and relatability for many. However, having any type of content at your disposal can do more harm than good. It has been a prevalent phenomenon in which content that uplifts and enables injustice and problematic behaviors are being consumed by all types of audiences; some that agree with the incorrect attitude, and others, who are children. It is incredibly evident that a child does not have the ability to be able to understand said content that is being used to grab their attention, but the lack of awareness of this situation is leading many kids to go down the wrong path in which they believe that discrimination and wrong doings are justified, because nobody is teaching them that it is incorrect, or that there are consequences for said wrong doing. For example, in the article “Desensitization to Violence: A Parent’s Role,” it states, “When children are repeatedly exposed to violent content, they may start to see violence as a normal part of life and become less responsive to the pain and suffering of others (Media violence, 2009).” In other words, due to children having underdeveloped minds, they are more likely to be influenced by violent content.

When exposed to this content for long periods of time, eventually the mind will start to lose the capacity to be shocked by said content, and get used to it, no matter how shocking or crass it may sound or look. This creates an environment where many feel as if the suffering in those videos don't matter, or there's indifference, because it's “normal” or “nothing new.” Furthermore, in “Desensitization to Media Violence: Links With Habitual Media Violence Exposure, Aggressive Cognitions, and Aggressive Behavior,” (Barbara Krahae, Ingrid Moller, et.all) they state: “Fear is a spontaneous and probably innate response of humans in reaction to violence. As with other emotional responses, repeated exposure to media violence can decrease negative affect, because violent stimuli lose their capacity to elicit strong emotions the more often the stimulus is presented (Anderson & Dill, 2000).” The essence, this article is informing us how the lack of response to violence messes with the brain. In discussions of this, one controversial issue in regards to this (in the modern 2020’s) is short form social media such as Tiktok, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), some of the more harsher communities when it comes to introducing this type of media.

This type of media is everywhere, and infects every part of the internet. How can you as a consumer avoid this content? Simple. There are many effective ways to help stop the normalization of this content on the internet. These can include but are not limited to:

1. Blocking: Blocking this type of content on your feed automatically excludes it from coming on your feed.

2. Report content that enables illegal activity/ discrimination

3. Spread awareness

Awareness can make a difference. Your voice is the movement.

Link/sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4522002/

https://thrive.psu.edu/blog/desensitization-to-violence-a-parents-role/