A recent fatal incident at KLIA2 has circulated widely on social media, with videos and commentary rapidly shared across multiple platforms. Within hours, many Malaysians were exposed to the footage.
This is not the first time such an incident has spread online in this way. Some may encounter these videos unintentionally, while others may view them out of curiosity.
Regardless of how the content is encountered, such incidents highlight an increasingly important public health issue: the psychological impact of unavoidable exposure to distressing online material.
Malaysia already has established guidelines for responsible media reporting of suicide. However, in the era of social media, every user can function as a content distributor.
This shift makes it unrealistic to rely solely on content restriction or formal reporting standards to prevent exposure to distressing material. In this context, mental health protection must increasingly include how individuals respond to what they encounter online.
The Psychological Impact Of Seeing Distressing Content
It is often assumed that viewing distressing material on a screen is psychologically distant from experiencing it in real life. However, this distinction is not always clear-cut for the human brain.
Exposure to death, injury, or extreme distress, even through digital media, can activate the brain’s threat-response systems. This may lead to emotional and physiological responses such as fear, sadness, anger, or helplessness.
While these reactions are typically transient, repeated or prolonged exposure may contribute to emotional distress or anxiety, intrusive mental imagery, sleep disturbance, emotional numbing over time or increased rumination in individuals who are already vulnerable.
These effects are not limited to individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions. The cumulative psychological burden of repeated exposure to distressing content is increasingly relevant in the general population.
Unlike structured reporting in traditional media, viral content in digital environments often lacks context, warnings, or follow-up support. This absence of framing may increase distress without mitigation, particularly when content is encountered repeatedly or involuntarily.
From Content Control To Psychological Resilience
It is unrealistic to assume that all distressing content can be prevented from circulating online. This reality requires a shift in focus: from attempting to fully control exposure, to strengthening individual and community-level psychological resilience.
Much of the public discussion focuses on whether such content should be shared. While this remains important, it is increasingly insufficient as a standalone solution. A parallel conversation is needed on how individuals can protect their mental health in a digital environment they do not fully control.
Practical Strategies For Digital Self-Protection
You are allowed not to watch: There is often implicit pressure to view viral incidents in order to remain informed. However, witnessing graphic content is not necessary to understand an event, form an opinion, or express empathy. Choosing not to view such material is a valid form of psychological self-protection.
Be mindful of sharing: Before forwarding content, it may be helpful to consider its purpose. If the information can be conveyed without graphic material, that alternative should be prioritised. If sharing is driven by emotional distress, it may be more appropriate to process that response through conversation rather than redistribution.
Reduce algorithmic reinforcement: Social media algorithms respond to engagement. Viewing, pausing on, or repeatedly watching distressing content may increase its future appearance in feeds. Using features such as “not interested,” skipping content quickly, and avoiding repeated viewing can help reduce exposure over time.
Recognise and process emotional responses: After encountering distressing content, acknowledging emotional reactions can support regulation. Simple emotional labelling such as “I feel disturbed” or “I feel unsettled” may help reduce rumination.
Support children and adolescents: Many young people encounter distressing content online before adults are aware of it. Open, calm conversations are more protective than avoidance. Simple check-ins such as asking what they have seen and how they feel can help reduce isolation and confusion.
Beyond Individual Behaviour: A Systems Question
The circulation of graphic content reflects a gap between existing media guidelines and the realities of digital communication.
While Malaysia has made progress in suicide reporting standards for journalists, there remains limited structured guidance for the public on sharing or engaging with such content online.
This gap is increasingly relevant in a society where every user participates in content dissemination.
While we cannot fully control what appears on our screens, we can develop more intentional ways of engaging with it. Mental health protection in the digital age is not solely an individual responsibility, but a broader public health concern.
The dignity of those involved in such incidents is preserved not through repeated circulation of their most vulnerable moments, but through thoughtful reflection, responsible communication, and meaningful systemic improvement.
The author is a consultant psychiatrist.
This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
