Life After News? How an Online Community of Journalists Discuss Stress and Provide Social Support

Journalists have been leaving the industry in droves due to stress and burnout. This study examines an online community of journalists discussing their “Plan B” to understand what they identify as job stressors, as well as how they, as a community, discuss the health impact of these stressors. Guided by concepts of social support, we attempt to understand the strategies they employ to deal with the stressors. We found that the journalists collectively articulate their hopes and convictions on the functions and future of journalism. Next, they empower one another by providing emotional, informational, instrumental and appraisal support. Lastly, the journalists build their collective competence by discussing the skills and values needed for new beginnings. This study provides insight into how journalists provide community support, as well as how the field can reform the profession and retain journalists at a time where they are needed now, more than ever.