Anxiety in Confinement
In March of 2020, as the world began to shut down, 19-year-old Sofia found herself glued to the news. Living in Madrid, Spain, she watched as headlines shifted from infection rates to stories about fear, isolation, and mental health. One article featured a psychologist explaining how confinement could lead to anxiety and depression, especially among youth. Another offered breathing exercises and meditation tips.
Sofia's younger brother, Mateo, struggled with the sudden closure of his school. Their parents, both working remotely, tried to maintain a routine, but tensions rose. The media became their guide, sometimes offering comfort and sometimes triggering panic. Sofia noticed that she was drawn to stories that matched her worries and skipped ones that felt more optimistic. This pattern reflected confirmation bias, a tendency to focus on information that supports existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.
Across the ocean in New York, college freshman Jamal read a different kind of story. His local news focused on rising alcohol sales and the mental toll on health care workers. Psychologists were quoted warning about burnout and suicide risk. Jamal, who had just lost his part-time job, felt overwhelmed and uncertain. He began journaling about his thoughts and reactions, creating a personal record that resembled a clinical or case study. It helped him observe his own behavior and emotional shifts over time.
In both cities, and in many others, the media played a powerful role in shaping how people understood and responded to the psychological challenges of the pandemic.
