You may be unconsciously creating a fear spiral. See what the psychologist says

In recent days, Poland has seen knife attacks in schools, detentions of teenagers suspected of planning violence, and threatening videos published online. Dramatic events are accompanied by disinformation - spread both consciously and unconsciously.

Psychologist Dr. Joanna Skruczaj-Olejnik points out that false information is massively disseminated on social networking sites or in closed parental groups by users who are unaware that they are repeating lies.

This mechanism is most often activated when we want to warn others about an alleged danger. Such content suggests that we have unique knowledge that needs to be passed on immediately. In this way, seemingly in good faith, we create online chains of disinformation - he explains.

The expert emphasizes that the basis of this phenomenon are emotions, primarily fear. When we feel threatened, we naturally strive to regain control of the situation. Sending a warning to friends gives us the feeling that we are doing something useful and regaining influence on the course of events. In such moments, strong emotions win over logic. We stop thinking about the credibility of the information, its source, or who gave it to us - says the interlocutor of the Polish Press Agency, comparing this mechanism to the game of silent telephone.

The psychologist points out that disinformation related to attacks in schools is particularly dangerous because it is based on real events regarding children's safety.

This bit of truth drastically increases the fear spiral. When we start to fear for our children or our own lives, emotions immediately take over and we feel the need to act immediately and alert others. Unfortunately, in such moments, strong emotions completely overtake cool reflection. This intensifies the general panic, he emphasizes.

Disinformation affects both children and parents

In the opinion of Dr. Joanna Skruczaj-Olejnik, the spread of disinformation may affect both children and adults.

Children's sense of security may decrease. In this way, the route to school and the building itself cease to be associated with learning and start to be associated with danger. As a consequence, a state of strong tension may cause problems with concentration, sleep disorders or anxiety about going to school. In turn, adults develop a powerful instinct to protect their children. Parents can succumb to the illusory logic of caring. It says: even if the information I provide is a lie, it is better to warn and be wrong than to ignore it and cause a tragedy. In such cases, fake news spreads quickly, he explains.