How are SMC students coping as socials are flooded with news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

On Feb. 24, Russia began to invade Ukraine. All major news outlets have devoted ample coverage to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has developed into a story that has reached all corners of the world through social media platforms. A Pew Research Center survey in 2020 found that 48 percent of U.S adults ages 18 to 29 often receive their news from social media. Of the students interviewed at Santa Monica College (SMC), most had online platforms where they followed news outlets.

David Belman (left) and Saba Asgari (right) at the Santa Monica College main campus awaiting classes by passing time on their phones. (Andrea Marcy | The Corsair)

Aaron Kim, a SMC student, has noticed an increase in his daily screen time since the invasion of Ukraine. Kim found that the news of a big country such as Russia carrying out an invasion was impossible to escape online. “If you're playing video games, someone will be talking about it on a voice chat,” he said. “It is everywhere you go.”

Another student from SMC, Evelyn Gomez, found that her screen time has gone down since the invasion of Ukraine. “I prefer not to see all the news that pops up, because it is sad to see how people are harming others,” she said.

Julia Doogan advised other students who felt overwhelmed with news to, "get off of social media." She believes that social media is a powerful tool to inform the public but should be taken in moderation. “Once I have the information that I need I kind of try to take a step back a little bit,” she said.

When asked how war news on social media impacted her mental health, student Asli Finci shared that she’s been feeling overwhelmed. She even had a nightmare that she had to go to war with her family. “I feel so bad for everyone going through this,” she said.

The students interviewed all felt anxiety seeing the news surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine all over social media.

Dr. Steph Anderson, a professor of psychology at SMC, commented on the toll of news all over social media. “The more we mindlessly scroll, the greater the negative effects on our mental health,” she said. “Taking action is often a very useful way to combat feelings of helplessness that we can experience with such devastating news.”

Most SMC students interviewed were not aware of any on-campus resources. Only one interviewee, Gabriel Lodato, knew that those enrolled at SMC could seek help from the Center of Wellness and Wellbeing. “When I was in my second year here at SMC, I took advantage of that resource. They have psychologists and counselors you can talk to, and if your professor is friendly then talk to them,’ Lodato said.

The Center of Wellness and Wellbeing provides mental health services for students at Santa Monica College. If long-term services are needed appropriate referrals can be made. You can email them at cww@smc.edu or leave a voicemail at 310-434-4503. Visit the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing Website online through SMC’s official page.

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