Background
Cyclone Remal did hit the state of West Bengal along with neighboring coastal states & coastal parts of Bangladesh on 25th-26th of May, 2024. Most mainstream media started broadcasting news regarding it, over two weeks prior to the occurrence of the Remal. The premaths of Remal experienced in the state, is one of such plenty examples where pre-hazard psychological dilemmas are posed by unregulated media practices, featuring excessive and over-sensationalized media coverage before and during the hazard, is a stringent issue. On the one hand, the media provides much-needed information, increases public awareness and preparedness on the storm's path, safety guidelines, and emergency response measures. However, a rapid broadcasting of alarming graphic imagery, hyperrated animations and thrilling anchoring, often in a high pitched tone, did create an impact on the mental health of the population.
The very need for attracting viewers for increased TRP, usually leads to carnalised reporting mechanisms, with headlines i.e. "devastating," “life-taking”, "catastrophic" and "deadly " outcomes, not only in English but also in various regional languages, including Bengali. Mental wellness professionals, rightly conveyed that this kind of reporting is effective in catching quick attention but, in the process, can escalate anxiety and fear among the people (Mukherjee, 2024). Unfortunately, media houses are competing with each other in this aspect, sidelining accountability to the masses and becoming even more extreme in their journalistic pursuit. This fundamentally raises questions about their practice and the requirement of limiting media guidelines while presenting sensitive information in greater public interest.
The human cost of sensationalism is widely neglected. A primary sample survey conducted among residents of various districts of the state across varied age groups, revealed a fatal increase in anxiety and fear as the cyclone approached. Around 200 people participated in it and 75% of the respondents reported feeling psychosocial tremors by the continuous bombardment of alarming news, which amplified their experience of impulsivity and dread. Upon questioning people both in person or virtually across districts, most of them complained that they got scared and lost the ability to do anything right after all other measures of safety are in place. These frequent media prompts confuse their heads, making one not relax because of the ‘would be’ threat of disaster.
In some cases as a result of panic and overreaction, families evacuated their homes too early, leading to unnecessary displacement and logistical problems. The collective impact of such experiences casted severe effects on mental well-being, thereby resulting in anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health disorders. It may be especially harsh for vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, or those with diagnosed psychological conditions, who may feel more anxiety and stress over the increased reporting, making them even worse off in their capacity to deal with the disaster and its aftermath.
The speed at which information related to disasters which are not authentic at times, are being spread through social media further magnifies the risk toll of unauthorized disaster reporting. Rumors, unverified news, and sensational materials can heighten public anxiety, creating fear and uncertainty (Gosh, 2024).
In conclusion, minimizing adverse psychological impact through disaster reporting is required and the media should focus on balanced and measured reporting, which is not sensationalism but facticity should be the accent (Anderson & Holcomb, 2023). Dr. Anjali Mukherjee, a psychologist based in Kolkata, explained that continuous exposure to fear laden capacity could induce a chronic stress response. Hence, seeking advice from psychologists on the potential psychological impacts from the reporting as well as infusing such thoughts into the reports is essential. Educating people to aid in informed choice and proper actions is crucial (Rao, 2023). Promoting reliance on authentic sources of information to ensure eventual reliance on government agencies and other disaster management structures including publicizing stories of resilience, community support and successful recovery will foster hope and optimism (Kumar, 2024).
The collective experience of not only cyclone Remal, but also other hazards that had already happened in the past, underlines the critical importance of responsible, ethical disaster reporting without overdoing it. In ensuring that accuracy is balanced with sympathy and public psychological preparedness for such disasters, media houses are placed in the position to take constructive steps for community preparation towards recovery from disasters.
References
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Anderson, B., & Holcomb, J. (2023). The effects of sensationalist media on public anxiety during natural disasters. Journal of Media Studies, 45(2), 123-137.
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Ghosh, R. (2024). Social media's role in shaping public perception during Cyclone Remal. Indian Journal of Communication, 52(1), 88-102.
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Kumar, P. (2024). Highlighting resilience: Positive media stories during disasters. Media & Society, 41(3), 199-215.
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Mukherjee, A. (2024). Psychological effects of disaster media coverage. Kolkata Journal of Psychology, 29(4), 178-189.
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Rao, M. (2023). Public education and disaster preparedness. Journal of Emergency Management, 30(2), 74-89.