Experts warn of mental health toll from viewing violent media

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Mental health professionals are urging caution as exposure to violent content becomes increasingly common online.

Last week, graphic footage of Charlie Kirk’s assassination spread across social media without warning. When violent videos go viral, experts say the damage can go far beyond the screen.

Anna McChesney, a licensed therapist and CEO of the Center for Creative Healing, warns that repeated exposure to traumatic footage can desensitize viewers and in some cases, change how we process violence altogether.

“One thing that you could be looking out for would be the lack of caring about really anything in relation to violence,” McChesney said. “Something that would have made your stomach drop before, maybe doesn’t anymore.”

She says that lack of reaction is one of the clearest signs of desensitization and can be even more concerning in children.

“When kids are talking about events they’ve seen in a video, and there’s no emotion there anymore, that’s what’s more concerning,” McChesney explained.

Avoiding graphic videos altogether may not be realistic, since violent clips often appear on feeds without warning. However, McChesney says there are ways to protect your mental health after you’ve seen them:

• Don’t rewatch the video
• Practice grounding techniques such as meditating, journaling or spending time in nature
• Redirect anxious energy through exercise or creative outlets
• Seek professional help if needed, whether through a therapist or school counselor.

McChesney also urges parents to set clear boundaries for their children’s media consumption. That includes limiting screen time and filtering what content kids can access on social platforms.