How to respond to contact with content related to the tragedy at UW

Dear All,

As members of the Faculty of Psychology and the Students’ Council at the University of Warsaw, we would like to address the tragic event that occurred on our campus on May 7. This incident has deeply affected our entire university community.

In response to such a dramatic event, people may experience a wide range of emotional reactions. Being directly or indirectly exposed to a tragedy can trigger intense emotions and psychological responses. Research shows that crises can activate various coping strategies — from numbness and disbelief, avoidance, and intense emotional reactions, to efforts to adapt and seek help, often through communication in search of support and understanding.

It is important to recognize that all of these responses are natural. In alarming circumstances, it is normal to feel fear and helplessness, which can lead to automatic, unreflective reactions.

In an attempt to regain a sense of control and protect ourselves from overwhelming fear, we may act automatically – sometimes in ways that, over time, can be harmful to ourselves and/or others. In today’s digital world, such actions often take place through social media. In our search for understanding and a sense of calm, we may either avoid content related to the event or, conversely, actively seek out information about the violent act. Another common reaction is the urge to quickly assign blame or demand punishment. Unfortunately, this pursuit of “justice” can manifest in harmful ways, such as online hate directed at those who have been directly present in the dramatic event.

Studies show that such behaviors are not helpful. They reinforce black and white thinking and often lead to further suffering.

However, as human beings, we possess the capacity to respond not against others, but in a helpful way. One of the most powerful tools we have is empathy – sensitivity to the suffering of others, as well as to our own. This means showing kindness and compassion toward ourselves — acknowledging that “it’s okay to feel afraid,” “it’s okay to struggle,” “it’s okay not to know what to do,” or “I may have reacted differently in a crisis than I normally would.” It also means extending that same understanding to others – recognizing that “others may be afraid,” “they may be struggling,” “they may not have known what to do,” or “they may have acted differently in a crisis than they usually would.”

An attitude of empathetic support and solidarity can help our community as a whole cope with this tragic experience.

When encountering content related to the May 7 tragedy at UW:

• Reflect on how you feel. Consider the potential impact your shared content may have on others.
• If you witness online hate, reach out to the person affected and express your support. Take care of your own safety as well – you can send a private message instead of engaging publicly.
• Remember that in times of crisis, people often act out of fear, not necessarily with hostile intent.

If you see someone spreading hate, you can point out that their behavior is inappropriate. This often leads to a change in behavior. Do so politely but firmly. If the situation escalates, report it to the platform administrator – remember, it doesn’t have to be the victim who reports it.

Take care of yourself and others. If needed, seek professional support or recommend it to someone who may be struggling:

University of Warsaw Helpline: +48 22 552 44 24
The Psychological and Counselling Services Centre: +48 694 711 731 |
University Ombudsman: website
Student Ombudsman: +48 602 688 113 | rps@samorzad.uw.edu.pl
Plenipotentiary for Equality: magdalena.michalowska@samorzad.uw.edu.pl