Social media, anxiety, and ethnic disparities: The case of the Jewish and Arab Population groups following October 7 in Israel

The psychological effects of wars and terror attacks are complex and influenced by sociocultural factors, including media consumption and ethnic identity. In the context of the October 7 attack in Israel, this study seeks to explore the differences in social media activity between Jewish and Arab populations and its association on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 651 adults, including Jewish (N = 505) and Arab (N = 146) participants, between 11 November 2023 and 30 November 2023, at the height of the war. Participants were surveyed using a stratified sampling method to ensure a representative cross-section of Israel’s adult population. The questionnaire assessed media consumption, credibility of information sources, social media activity, and anxiety levels using the GAD-7 scale. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, Independent Samples Test, and linear regression. The study found that social media activity patterns significantly differed between the Jewish and Arab populations, with notable association on their anxiety levels. Jewish participants reported higher levels of social media activity and increased anxiety scores compared to Arab participants, who showed a reduction in social media activity and lower anxiety scores. The study highlights the role of social media in shaping psychological responses during crises, with varying effects on different ethnic groups. Future policies should consider these differences to better address the mental health needs arising from crisis situations.