The Impact of Exposure to Distressing Images in Virtual Space on Daily Performance and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis of Secondary Trauma (۲۰۲۰-۲۰۲۵)

The rapid proliferation of social media has transformed how individuals consume news and visual content during global crises. This meta-analysis investigates the relationship between exposure to distressing images in virtual spaces and the development of secondary trauma, also known as vicarious traumatization. By synthesizing data from recent academic studies published between ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۵, including research from Israel, China, and global systematic reviews, this article quantifies the effect sizes of media exposure on mental health outcomes. The findings indicate a consistent, statistically significant positive correlation between social media engagement and trauma symptoms (pooled β ≈ ۰.۲۱). Furthermore, the analysis identifies key moderators such as gender and age, and explores the mediating roles of recommendation algorithms and peer communication. The results underscore the urgent need for digital literacy and mental health interventions to mitigate the psychological toll of virtual trauma exposure.