Investigating the relationship between media-induced vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue: The role of hope and resilience

Our understanding of social learning through exposure has evolved far beyond Bandura's Bobo Doll observations, especially in today's hyper-digital era, where exposure to violence extends far beyond the deliberate act of watching a film. In a world where digital platforms serve as primary sources of information, exposure to traumatic content is constant and often unpredictable. Individuals are inundated with rapid, graphic imagery and algorithm-driven content streams that can have profound psychological effects, including secondary trauma, a phenomenon traditionally linked to healthcare professionals. This study explores the psychological effects of social media-induced Vicarious Trauma and its link to Compassion Fatigue, particularly among young adults who are highly engaged in political and humanitarian issues online. In an era where conflicts—such as those in Gaza — unfold in real time on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, individuals may experience deep emotional distress, despite having no direct involvement. This research also examines whether psychological buffers such as Hope and Resilience can mitigate the intensity of such distress. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, this study collected data through an online survey employing standardized instruments. The survey sampled university students (n=211), who self-reported their media consumption and emotional responses over the past 21 months. Data were analyzed through IBM SPSS to examine the relationship between Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue, while testing the moderating roles of Hope and Resilience. Findings aim to highlight the often-overlooked psychological burden carried by socially conscious individuals, and to offer insight into how internal strengths can help reduce the mental health impact of continuous media exposure.