Mona Suliman

University of Science and Technology Omdurman, Sudan

Title: Violent War-Related Content on Social Media and Its Association with Mental Health and Behavioral Outcomes Among Sudanese Youth

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Biography

Abstract

Background:

Armed conflicts increasingly affect young people not only through direct exposure to violence but also through repeated exposure to violent content disseminated via social media platforms. During the ongoing Sudan war, graphic images, videos, and emotionally distressing narratives have circulated widely online, potentially contributing to psychological distress among youth.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among Sudanese adolescents and young adults aged 15–30 years who were active social media users during the Sudan war. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, frequency of exposure to violent war-related content, mental health symptoms, behavioral changes, and coping mechanisms. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Results:

A total of 412 valid responses were included in the analysis. Frequent exposure to violent war-related content was reported by 46.1% of participants. High exposure was significantly associated with anxiety, depressive mood, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, emotional exhaustion, and social withdrawal (p < 0.001). Participants who reported stronger social support and reduced exposure showed lower levels of psychological distress.

Conclusion:

Exposure to violent content on social media during the Sudan war is strongly associated with adverse mental health and behavioral outcomes among Sudanese youth. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions, media literacy education, and protective digital strategies in conflict settings.

Keywords:

Social media · Violent content · Sudan war · Youth · Mental health · Behavioral outcomes