Stress is a natural response to perceived threats or challenges, and can impact decision-making. When we are stressed, we are more likely to react impulsively or aggressively, which can lead to the creation of harmful content online. Recognising when and why we feel stressed can be a key step to responding in a more thoughtful way. Becoming aware of when we feel stressed and the situations that trigger stress, can prompt the use of stress reduction strategies such as journaling, seeking support, exercise or deep breathing. A society with lower levels of stress is a kinder, compassionate, and more intentional one.

One reason that negative content online can be harmful to mental health is due to our tendency to process and remember negative information more readily than positive information. As a result, exposure to negative and harmful content online can skew our perceptions of ourselves and the world. It can therefore be helpful to recognise these biases and take actions to counteract them. This can include:

• Intentionally seeking out positive content and experiences online,
• Practising digital mindfulness
• Curating online spaces to limit exposure to negative content, and
• Practising more helpful thinking styles such as gratitude
  
  
  
  
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