Has Social Media-Based News Changed How People React to Crises?

Frank Costa, President NEXGEN Protection Services —

Security professionals face an emerging challenge in how social media, particularly platforms popular with young adults, shapes public perception and reaction to global crises.

While the media’s ability to influence public opinion and even incite mass unrest is not new, the scale and immediacy of social media have significantly amplified this effect.

Within seconds of scrolling through Instagram, a student might encounter a variety of content: drone footage of devastated cities, an ad for a university holiday party, an image of a grieving Palestinian parent holding their deceased child, and a photo of their nephew at a family pumpkin patch. The boundaries between “international affairs” and “personal moments” have blurred. Information that once might have been compartmentalized—global news and private family photos—now coexist in the same space, on the same device, often just inches away from the user. This constant access creates a psychological burden, one that security professionals must consider when analyzing public sentiment and response.

The emotional impact of receiving this kind of information isn’t limited to the content itself. The speed and proximity of digital news delivery can distort perspectives, amplify emotional reactions, and prompt actions. Understanding these emotional triggers is essential to mitigating violence and fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

In security management, it’s crucial to recognize the emotional context in which crises unfold. Approaching sensitive issues with empathy and open-mindedness may prevent situations from escalating, reducing the likelihood of conflict and resistance. By building trust between security personnel and the communities they serve, we can better address crises in ways that foster understanding and cooperation.

Source:
Bussewitz, Z. (January 28, 2025). Has Social Media-Based News Changed How People React to Crises? Security Management Magazine.