Social media impact and smartwatch monitoring: Prevalence and early markers of PTSD and anxiety following mass traumatic events

TL;DR

This study shows how mass traumatic events can lead to high rates of PTSD and anxiety, and how smartwatches can help detect early signs.

Contribution

The study identifies early physiological markers of PTSD using smartwatch data and highlights the role of media exposure in PTSD risk.

Findings

PTSD prevalence reached 22.9-36.0% at 7–8 weeks post-event and remained high after 7 months.

Smartwatch data showed early PTSD markers like increased stress, reduced mood, activity, and sleep quality.

High media consumption was strongly linked to increased PTSD risk.

Abstract

We investigated PTSD, anxiety, and stress in individuals indirectly exposed to the October 7 events in Israel. Our study utilized data from a three-year prospective study of 4,806 smartwatch users who completed daily questionnaires, and a panel study surveying 2,536 individuals twice. Stress symptoms were measured daily, while PCL-5 and GAD-7 questionnaires assessed PTSD and anxiety prevalence. After October 7, stress levels soared, with PTSD prevalence reaching 22.9-36.0% at 7–8 weeks post-event, and remaining exceptionally high at 15.9-24.7% after 7 months. We found a strong correlation between increased PTSD risk and extensive media consumption. Smartwatch data revealed early PTSD markers such as pronounced increases in stress levels and declines in mood, physical activity, and sleep quality within the first week. This study underscores the significant impact of media exposure on PTSD development and the value of continuous physiological monitoring for early detection of PTSD after mass traumatic events.

Figures