Mean World Syndrome is described as the distinguishing characteristic of Media Induced Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (MIPTSD). Media Induced Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a manifestation of some PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder type symptoms specifically due to exposure to entertainment media that focuses excessively on violence. Two significant differences between this disorder and PTSD are that exposure to real trauma is not necessary and that symptoms include an overwhelming desire to seek out violent images (PTSD victims avoid trauma exposure). Symptoms similar to PTSD include a numbing of general responsiveness (detachment, decreased interest in signifiant activities) and ongoing increased arousal (problems sleeping and concentrating, irritability, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response).

External links

• The New Disease: A Journal of Narrative Pathology 2 (2004)
• Daniel Chandler's Cultivation Theory

Gemeine-Welt-Syndrom | Anxiety disorders | Psychological conditions