Does the reporting of terrible events help people who are suffering?

There is some evidence to suggest that reporting terrible events can help people who are suffering in several ways:

- Raising awareness and empathy: Media coverage of terrible events can bring attention to issues that might otherwise go unnoticed and generate public sympathy and support for those affected.

- Promoting social change: News reports can serve as catalysts for social change by generating public pressure for better policies, aid, and support for vulnerable populations.

- Providing a sense of community: Consuming media coverage of a shared experience can create a sense of solidarity and unity among those who are suffering, helping them feel less alone.

- Facilitating coping and processing: For some people, engaging with media coverage of difficult events can serve as a way to confront, process, and cope with their negative emotions.

On the other hand, it is important to recognize that media coverage of terrible events can also have negative psychological effects on viewers, including anxiety, stress, and fear. Thus, media consumption should be approached with caution and self-care, particularly for individuals who may be especially vulnerable to distress.