No Surprise – Doomsday And Apocalypse Videos Are Big On Social Media

While preppers are continuing to share their thoughts on how best to survive the COVID-19 outbreak, videos touting doomsday and the apocalypse are now a hit on YouTube and across other social media platforms.

We shouldn't be surprised that such videos are now attracting an audience say the experts. Clips from movies such as Contagion – a movie that has been out since 2011 – are now being spread online and heavily discussed. But is this the sort of thing people should be watching to escape the real world pandemic?

"It depends on the motivation," said Dr. Jorge Barraza, Ph.D., professor in the online Master of Science in Applied Psychology program at the University of Southern California.

"For some, this is clearly a self-destructive behavior," Barraza warned. "However, it is completely natural for people to engage with content that they deem relevant to them or what is going on around them. In these times of uncertainty, anxiety, and fear, we want to gain a sense of control. For some, it may also serve as a sort of detachment from the reality that the world is currently facing."

However, sitting and watching endless videos about the state of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as related videos proclaiming the apocalypse, could make those who are already in isolation feel even more cut off.

"This is not a good idea for one's mental health," said Shari Harding, assistant professor for the Nursing Department at Regis College.

"It is natural to feel more anxiety, especially due to the uncertainty around a lot of issues related to this pandemic," she added.

"However, perseverating on doomsday writings or videos alone or on social media risks reinforcing anxiety and fear rather than alleviating it," Harding explained. "It can be the cognitive equivalent of 'getting stuck in a rut,' like running a wheelbarrow over the same path again and again, it becomes harder to break away and get on a different track."

Hours spent watching such videos, reading posts on Facebook and Instagram and other social media outlets can then make it harder for those people who already have existing fears about the future.

"It can reinforce unhelpful thinking patterns such as jumping to conclusions or assuming that the worst will happen," warned Harding. "Further, it activates our 'emotional brain' instead of helping us think clearly."

For now those videos will continue to be made and people will continue to post dire warnings on social media – because it is generating traffic.

"As long as there is an audience, there will be more of these videos," said Barraza. "Content dies when attention is pulled away from it. However, if the content starts becoming repetitive or formulaic, you will likely start seeing a drop in attention. Why? The brain craves novelty; we become less immersed in content that is predictable."

Taking It The Extreme

Then there is the fact that there is no shortage of "zombie" and doomsday content that could make what we're going through seem not so bad. While there are legitimate reasons to be concerned, now could be a time to sit back and binge on the content and this might include clips on YouTube as much as a show on Netflix.

"In today's turbulent world where so much seems out of our control, movies can help distract us, entertain us and even make us feel more connected to those around us," said technology industry analyst Josh Crandall of Netpop Research.

"We need a good scare, laugh and cry to get our minds off of what's really going on around us," Crandall suggested. "These directors are just a few of the legends who inspire many to create fan flicks and take the genre even further."

But again, it is perhaps something to be done in moderation – so after the doomsday videos viewers should watch something a bit happier, or something that can help relieve the stress in other ways.

"After a few hours of horror and apocalypse, you'll want to wash your hands immediately, check in with your loved ones frequently and possibly turn on your favorite workout video," added Crandall. "Maybe start with some Jack LaLanne classics and go from there. Keep happy and stay fit."