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Adolescent Vulnerability to Internet Media Exposure: The Role of Self-Mastery in Mitigating Post-Traumatic Symptoms

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle Slone

    (Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya 4610101, Israel)

  • Ayelet Peer

    (School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel)

  • Michael Egozi

    (School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel)

Abstract

The internet has revolutionized communication, becoming central to daily life. Consequently, news consumption shifted dramatically with increased media access, exposing individuals to global traumatic events, such as armed conflicts. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of this exposure due to their media expertise and developmental stage. Young adults are more mature and independent but remain vulnerable to the harmful effects of internet exposure. This study examined the relationship between internet media exposure to armed conflict and post-traumatic symptoms and psychiatric symptomology among adolescents and young adults. Additionally, self-mastery was explored as a resilience factor in both groups. A sample of 329 participants, including 159 adolescents (ages 12–18) and 168 young adults (ages 20–26), completed questionnaires assessing direct and internet media exposure to armed conflict events, self-mastery, post-traumatic symptoms and psychiatric symptomology. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that internet media exposure was positively associated with post-traumatic symptoms and psychiatric symptomatology only among adolescents, whereas direct exposure was significantly related to post-traumatic symptoms only among young adults. Self-mastery moderated these effects in both groups, buffering the psychological impact of the most relevant exposure. The findings underscore the need for interventions that foster self-mastery to mitigate the adverse effects of traumatic media exposure, particularly among adolescents. Developmental implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Slone & Ayelet Peer & Michael Egozi, 2025. "Adolescent Vulnerability to Internet Media Exposure: The Role of Self-Mastery in Mitigating Post-Traumatic Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:589-:d:1631340
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ayelet Pe’er & Michelle Slone, 2022. "Media Exposure to Armed Conflict: Dispositional Optimism and Self-Mastery Moderate Distress and Post-Traumatic Symptoms among Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Inesa Buneviciene & Adomas Bunevicius, 2021. "Prevalence of internet addiction in healthcare professionals: Systematic review and meta-analysis," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(5), pages 483-491, August.
    3. Daria J. Kuss & Mark D. Griffiths, 2011. "Online Social Networking and Addiction—A Review of the Psychological Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-25, August.
    4. Celine Klemm & Enny Das & Tilo Hartmann, 2016. "Swine flu and hype: a systematic review of media dramatization of the H1N1 influenza pandemic," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(1), pages 1-20, January.
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