Just as firsthand exposure to violence can trigger PTSD, continuously viewing graphic digital content can cause severe secondary trauma. Experts compare this to the “secondhand smoke” of journalism—fact-checkers might not be at the riot, but repeated, intensive exposure to violence causes insomnia, anxiety, and emotional numbing.

The Bharat Media Association stresses that repeated exposure to distressing visuals is a direct pathway to psychological injury. Newsrooms must provide mandatory, confidential counseling to safeguard the mental health of their digital staff.