By its very nature, election season is always expected to be filled with vitriol as opposing candidates throw criticisms at each other. But a recent poll conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) has revealed that the 2016 U.S. election might just be the most stressful among Americans yet.
Regardless if one is a Democrat or a Republican supporter, election stress appears to be universal in this 2016 U.S. election. In fact, 55 percent of Democrats and 59 percent of Republicans agree that this year's election has caused "significant stress" in their lives. Many point to social media as one of the factors.
"Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration," APA's Lynn Bufka said in its press release. Bufka zeroes in on the hostile and inflammatory comments on social media as the most stress-inducing reason.
What's even alarming is that it's those above 71-years-old who are feeling more of the stress even as they are not active social media users. The researchers of the survey note that the older generation is growing weary over their candidates or the potential outcome of the U.S. election in November. "We're wondering if thinking about the implications on their children and grandchildren might be the source of the stress," Bufka said, per Bloomberg.
At least 3,511 Americans in the age of 18-years-old and above were asked in the survey, Huffington Post reports. The experts suggest a few tips on how to minimize election stress.
First, those on social media might need to unplug or take a break from the app until the election is over. Technology can be a useful tool but for the sake on one's sanity, avoiding reading social media comments can greatly reduce the aggravation.
If unplugging is not possible, however, it's better to use the internet to get information on one's candidate. Read up on their platforms and policies instead on focusing on the nonsense hurled at their candidacy.
It might also be good to keep everything in perspective, especially when there are plenty of information to be read. Lastly, put worries into action by actually going out to vote on Nov. 8.
