Antonius: Seeking Information Through Media During Times of Crisis May Magnify Anxiety

Updated September 9, 2016 This content is archived.

Daniel Antonius, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of forensic psychiatry, was interviewed for a story about incorrect reports of an active shooter at Los Angeles International Airport which caused several terminals to be evacuated even though there was never any threat.

He said information-seeking via the media is natural behavior during a crisis and it can help restore a feeling of normalcy, but it can also magnify anxiety.

“We are processing things at a more rapid pace these days because of news coverage and social media,” Antonius said. “This can of course be problematic when trying to keep up and think rationally about future violent acts.”