Reflections on the impact of accelerated media on the mental health of the elderly of a similarly accelerated society
Authors: Cenedesi Júnior Mario Angelo , Cenedesi Renata Trivelato Felício , Fernandes Priscila Castro Cordeiro , Rodrigues Dirce Pacheco Vitório , Malta Arlete do Monte Massela , Da Silva Luciano Cícero , Da Silva Kenya Costa Rodrigues , Amaral Nídia Helena Mareco Fernandes Dantas , Sakman Rosangela , Vouillat Silvia Elena 
Published: November 2023

The swift evolution of society is fueled by the ever-increasing velocity of information transmission, where real-time communication has become a central part of our daily existence. The proliferation of media outlets and digital platforms has given rise to an exponential surge in the sharing of information, spanning websites, video content, search queries, tweets, emails, and more. Initially designed for personal messaging, social media has morphed into a critical tool for both sales and the dissemination of information, fundamentally reshaping the way news reaches the masses. This constant flow of information aligns with the Theory of Social Acceleration, as proposed by sociologist Hartmut Rosa, which identifies three interconnected dimensions: technological advancements, societal changes, and the acceleration of the pace of life. These dimensions combine to create a society that perpetually demands more from its members. In this era of contingency, individuals find themselves managing an increasing number of tasks and activities while trying to keep up with the rapid transformations occurring in society. The gap between the time of the social world and personal time widens, leading to temporal disorientation and stress. The digital revolution has further disrupted stability in both professional and family life, leading to a heightened focus on the present and a surge in intragenerational identity patterns. This modern pace, characterized by the pressure for hyperactivity and performance, often results in fatigue and exhaustion, culminating in mental health issues like depression and burnout. The prevalence of social media use, as exemplified by high daily usage in Brazil and worldwide, presents both opportunities and challenges. Digital media's effectiveness in rapidly disseminating information can be harnessed for good, but overconsumption can negatively impact mental health, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainties and fears linked to epidemics can increase anxiety and depression. Disorganized information seeking can lead to belief in unverified or unreliable data. In times of public health emergencies, misinformation and misleading information can spread, intensifying negative emotions and misunderstandings. Exposure to digital social media, especially for older adults who may not excel at verifying information, increases vulnerability to the negative effects of the "infodemic," such as anxiety, depression, stress, and fear. To counter the impact of excessive exposure to information, it's essential to provide regular official updates and promote critical thinking about consumed information. Strategies like limiting news consumption and engaging in well-being-promoting activities are recommended. For older adults, acquiring skills to discern reliable information from fake news is crucial, as health-related misinformation can be particularly anxiety-inducing. Media outlets should play a constructive role in reporting during epidemics and promote psychological counseling services. The acceleration of social change and the rapid dissemination of information through digital media have fundamentally reshaped our way of life. While digital platforms offer opportunities for connection and information sharing, they also pose challenges to mental health, particularly during crises. It is imperative for individuals to adopt strategies to manage the overwhelming influx of information and seek support when needed to maintain their mental well-being.