Audience Exposure to Digital Media Coverage of the Civil War in Sudan and Its Relationship with Psychological Immunity and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This study examines the relationship between Sudanese audiences’ exposure to digital media coverage of the civil war and their psychological immunity and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms while also investigating the mediating role of psychological immunity. Data were collected through an online survey from a sample of 774 Sudanese respondents residing both inside and outside Sudan. The findings indicate a relatively high level of exposure to digital news coverage, particularly through social media platforms such as Facebook, reflecting the growing centrality of digitally mediated news environments in conflict reporting. The results also reveal moderate levels of psychological immunity and relatively high levels of PTSD symptoms, especially in the hyperarousal dimension. Statistical analysis shows a negative association between media exposure and psychological immunity, and a positive association between exposure and PTSD symptoms, with psychological immunity partially mediating this relationship. Beyond these findings, this study highlights important implications for journalism practice and media responsibility. The intensity and emotional nature of digital war coverage raise critical concerns regarding ethical news production, the circulation of distressing content, and the potential psychological impact on audiences. These findings underscore the need for more responsible digital journalism practices, including content moderation, trauma-sensitive reporting, and the promotion of media literacy, in order to mitigate the potential harm associated with repeated exposure to crisis-related news content.