The Psychological Impact of an Election Year

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This year, 2024, is an election year in the US, and as another eventful election day quickly approaches, people are already feeling the negative effects on their mental health. During an election year, the constant bombardment of political news and social media updates can take a significant toll on mental health. As individuals strive to stay informed, the relentless cycle of information often leads to heightened stress and anxiety.

Social media, while a valuable tool for instant updates and community engagement, can also become a source of conflict and emotional strain. Echo chambers and polarized discussions amplify these effects, creating a breeding ground for anxiety and unrest. Similarly, the 24-hour news cycle, with its continuous stream of updates and pundit opinions, can blur the line between news and sensationalism, exacerbating feelings of uncertainty and distress.

The role of social media

Social media platforms offer instant updates and a forum for public discourse, making them indispensable during election years. However, this constant stream of information can also amplify stress and anxiety.

During the last election, a 2020 Pew Research Center study found that 55 percent of U.S. adults said “they feel worn out by political posts and discussions.” Social media often creates echo chambers, where users are exposed primarily to viewpoints that reinforce their own in an environment that intensifies emotions and fosters a polarized atmosphere. In a similar survey, 64 percent of Americans felt that social media platforms contributed to a divided society.

During election years, individuals tend to post more frequently and engage in heated debates, yet the psychological toll of these interactions includes increased anxiety, feelings of isolation, and even depression as users grapple with the constant barrage of opinions and conflicts. This, paired with doomscrolling and a continuous news stream, is incredibly detrimental to anyone’s mental health.

News consumption and its psychological effects

The 24-hour news cycle has become a staple in election years, offering constant updates and analysis. While staying informed is important, the relentless flow of information can overwhelm people, leading to increased stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that continuous exposure to news — particularly negative coverage — can have a profound mental health impact.

News anchors and pundits play a significant role in shaping public perception during elections. Their opinions and assumptions can blur the line between objective reporting and sensationalism, often heightening viewers' emotional responses. This constant bombardment of analysis and speculation can create a sense of uncertainty and distress, making it difficult for individuals to maintain a balanced perspective.

Doomscrolling, the compulsive consumption of negative news, has become a common behavior, especially during election years, that can exacerbate anxiety and depression as individuals continuously seek out and consume distressing information. The mental health effects of doomscrolling are significant, with studies linking it to higher levels of anxiety and decreased overall well-being.

Other contributing factors

Political conversations with family and friends can add stress during election years. Differing opinions often lead to heated debates and strained relationships. Stress can also manifest physically, with symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and insomnia — like any other stress people experience.

Additionally, the constant focus on election news can affect work and productivity. Employees may struggle to concentrate, leading to decreased efficiency and increased workplace stress. The pressure to stay informed can overshadow professional responsibilities, further contributing to anxiety and burnout.

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Balancing political engagement with daily responsibilities is crucial. By managing stress and maintaining perspective, individuals can navigate the election year more effectively. Understanding these contributing factors highlights the importance of strategies to mitigate election-related stress and maintain overall mental and physical health.

Preventing election burnout

While election years can be mentally and emotionally taxing, there are ways to help manage this, like with any stressful situation we experience.

• Set boundaries with social media: Limit daily social media use to specific times and take regular breaks from social media, especially during peak election news periods.
• Practice mindful news consumption: Choose reliable news sources and avoid sensationalist media. Just like social media, set specific times to check news updates and limit the amount of time spent watching or reading the news each day.
• Engage in self-care: Establish a regular self-care routine, including activities that promote relaxation and well-being. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep, the proper nutrition, and exercise to maintain physical health.
• Seek support: To cope with election-related stress, you may want to seek professional help to discuss your feelings. Also, try to engage in positive social interaction to counterbalance the negativity of political discourse.
• Cultivate perspective: Remind yourself that it’s okay to take a step back from political discussions. Focus on the aspects of your life that you can control and influence. Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and that taking breaks is beneficial for mental health.

Election years inevitably bring heightened stress and anxiety, fueled by social media interactions, constant news updates, and political discussions in personal relationships. Recognizing the psychological toll of these factors is the first step toward managing election-related stress.

By setting boundaries with social media, practicing mindful news consumption, engaging in self-care, seeking support, balancing political engagement with daily responsibilities, and cultivating perspective, individuals can mitigate the adverse effects of election burnout. Implementing these strategies promotes a healthier, more balanced approach to navigating the political landscape, ensuring that mental and physical well-being remain priorities.