Combatting Mass Violence Fatigue
Grounding
Our current sociopolitical climate is defined by violence and constant exposure to it. We see those in and with power engaging in violent actions without consequence daily, or at least with such constancy that it feels daily. To create change in such a climate, we must stay vigilant, but for many, that is becoming a challenge. Let’s talk about it, understand it, and be clear about how to combat desensitization to stay in the fight for justice.
What is “Violence”?
Violence is a behavior involving force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. While the default assumption is the use of physical force, violence can also occur in verbal, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and cultural forms, among others. The uniting “goal” is to cause harm, and that harm can also be vicarious by observing someone else’s experience with violence.
Mass Violence and Media
Mass violence takes the above definition of violence and applies it to many people, with the widespread psychological, emotional, and/or physical pain impacting both victims and communities, those directly and indirectly connected.
Exposure to mass violence has increased due to accessibility, whether on TV or mobile devices. TV news outlets will show violence on a loop as various commentators discuss and/or debate over the occurrence(s). And social media spreads scenes of violence rapidly, often without proper warnings. This continues for days after the violence has occurred, and previous instances of violence resurface upon new, similar acts of violence occurring.
Mass Violence Fatigue and Desensitization
Fatigue is a state of constant, extreme exhaustion that is not relieved by rest. Mass Violence Fatigue (MVF) is the emotional numbness and desensitization that results from exhaustion after repeated, continuous exposure to media coverage of mass violence. It is caused by media saturation, frequency of events, and secondary and collective trauma.
While MVF is meant to be a protective reaction to allow individuals to function in their daily lives, it reduces the compassion and empathy that was once felt when exposed to mass violence. It counteracts feelings of helplessness by numbing emotional responses to any new experiences with the violence that triggered the defense mechanism in the first place. But once this desensitization settles in, it also combats the galvanizing and the desire to join community and respond that were powered by those deep emotional responses.
Combatting Mass Violence Fatigue (MVF): A 3-Pronged Approach
Personal
Limit Media Exposure: Take breaks to reduce exposure and feel no guilt about this. Turn off the TV when it becomes a constant re-hashing of the event, and until you are ready, avoid the conversation in other forms of media, especially social media. During the media break, do not isolate or remain in silence; turn to what brings you comfort when the strongest emotions are building: a movie, a TV show, a walk, etc.
Seek Professional Help: If your emotional responses to mass violence seem like they may lead to MVF, do not be afraid to seek out a mental health professional. It is always recommended to seek out help before the MVF shutdown begins. Recognizing the signs that typically precede the reduced empathy en route to numbness—constant anxiety and fear, physical exhaustion, and helplessness—are key. Stay tuned to your feelings to know when it may be becoming too much for you and never feel ashamed of needing professional help.
Interpersonal
Connect with Others: Talk about your feelings with friends and family, and/or find support groups. The goal is to avoid being isolated with your feelings, especially directly following (mass) violence exposure. “Just as we collectively grieve, we can also collectively embrace each other in mutual support and outreach.” –Dr. Alexandra Tsang, Illinois State Bar Association
Prioritize Meaningful Relationships: Social support is key, but it cannot only be in times of distress. Regularly nurture important relationships to have other experiences and feelings to lean on with your support system. Such distractions, even if temporary, help stave off MVF when violence occurs
Communal
Show Up: Go outside. Find the events. “Mourn with those who mourn, advocate for those whose voices can no longer be heard.” –Steve Pierce, Desert News.
Focus on Action: Stay the course. Volunteer. Join in community organizing. Practice and teach empathy. Pressure policymakers to make tangible changes. Action, especially collective, community action, combats the feelings of learned helplessness that can result from constant mass violence exposure.