The link between indirect exposure to disasters via traditional media and the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms has long been a topic of interest in multiple academic fields. However, limited research exists on the effects of disaster social media use and the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms. In this study, we conducted an unprecedented exploratory investigation of the association between types of social media use and pandemic-related post-traumatic stress, considering risk factors including demographics, traditional disaster media use, and health history. Our findings suggest an association between passive social media use and high levels of pandemic-related post-traumatic stress symptoms among individuals who were not directly exposed to COVID-19.

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