The Sandy case has intensified an already deep distrust of institutions in Cyprus, with many people considering a cover-up more likely than a genuine investigation into a story that has everything: allegations of rape and paedophilia, suicides, secret brotherhoods, entangled interests involving judges, lawyers, politicians, banks and prominent families, financial corruption, repossessions, hundreds of mobile phone messages, and a dose of Edek. In an era when society is bombarded by both information overload and disinformation, people frequently turn to simple, absolute explanations and feed on conspiracy theories. Psychiatrist Georgios Mikellidis, director of the Cyprus rTMS Centre for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and associate clinical professor at the University of Nicosia, analyses these phenomena, explains the roots of collective anger and the desire for retribution at the ballot box, and reflects on the impact of screens and social media on our lives.
Cognitive fatigue
Why are people so credulous?
We live in an era of information overload, but also of deep internal insecurity, he says. The human brain is not evolutionarily equipped to process such a large and contradictory volume of information on a daily basis. When continuously exposed to news, opinions, interpretations and disputes, a form of cognitive fatigue sets in. In that state, people tend to seek simple and immediate explanations. Conspiratorial or extreme narratives offer exactly that: a sense of order within the chaos. They give the impression that nothing is random and that behind events there is a mechanism that explains them. This structure soothes the mind, even when it does not correspond to reality. Fear and uncertainty are central factors. When a person feels out of control or threatened, their capacity to evaluate information calmly diminishes. Fear narrows the field of thought and intensifies the need for immediate answers. Uncertainty, meanwhile, is one of the most difficult emotions to endure. The human mind prefers a clear explanation, even a wrong one, over remaining in a state of doubt. Selective attention and confirmation bias also play a significant role: people tend to give greater weight to information that agrees with what they already believe and to dismiss or ignore what contradicts it. When information provokes a strong emotion such as anger or fear, it is more likely to be accepted and shared. Altogether, this is not a simple matter of gullibility, but a complex psychological phenomenon tied to the need for safety, meaning and control.
Hidden knowledge
Are there particular profiles of people more susceptible to such beliefs?
There is no single profile, Mikellidis says. The phenomenon cuts across different educational levels and social groups. There are, however, certain psychological and social factors that increase vulnerability. People who have experienced intense disappointment in institutions or have lost trust in society are more likely to turn to alternative narratives. Suspicion of authority can lead to the acceptance of explanations that challenge the established facts. People experiencing high levels of anxiety, internal insecurity or anger may be more receptive to narratives that confirm those feelings. Social isolation is also a significant factor: when someone does not feel they belong to a community, they may find in such beliefs a form of identity and inclusion. Participation in groups that share similar views creates a sense of "us" that reinforces attachment. The desire for uniqueness and the wish to possess hidden knowledge can also strengthen the adoption of such beliefs. Believing that one knows something others do not can offer a sense of superiority or a distinctive identity.
The absence of real connection
Where does the growing social rage come from?
Social anger is usually the result of accumulated frustration and chronic pressure, Mikellidis says. It does not appear suddenly but is the culmination of a long process. In recent years, many people have experienced economic uncertainty, professional instability and a general sense that the future is unpredictable. When expectations go unmet and effort goes unrewarded, an intense sense of injustice builds up. The erosion of trust in institutions intensifies this tension further. When a person feels unrepresented or unheard, disappointment gradually turns to anger. Loneliness and social disconnection are also critical factors. Despite being constantly connected digitally, people frequently experience a lack of meaningful contact. The absence of genuine communication makes it harder to manage emotions. In this context, anger functions as a form of expression and release, a way to externalise internal pressure and temporarily recover a sense of power.
Echo chambers
Social media have become the primary environment in which people form their perception of reality, he says. They influence not only the content we see but also the way we think and relate to others. Algorithms are designed to maximise user engagement, which means they amplify content that provokes strong emotions such as anger, fear or excitement, while tending to show information that confirms existing beliefs. This creates what are known as echo chambers, in which a person is exposed primarily to views that agree with their own. The repeated confirmation reinforces the conviction that one's own view is the only or the most correct one, reducing tolerance for difference.
A parallel reality
Why do so many people spend so much time watching the lives of others, and how does this affect self-esteem and mental health?
Watching other people's lives often functions as a form of avoidance, Mikellidis explains. When our own life dissatisfies us or causes anxiety, it is easier to turn towards a parallel reality. There is also the need for comparison: people try to understand their place in the social fabric by measuring themselves against others. On social media, however, this comparison is distorted, because most people present a curated and idealised version of their lives. Continuous exposure to such images can lead to reduced self-esteem, increased anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. People compare their everyday lives with the highlights of others, creating a persistent sense of falling short.
Immediate distraction
Mobile phones provide instant gratification, Mikellidis says. Every notification, message or new piece of content activates the brain's reward system. This immediate response creates a cycle that reinforces continuous use. They also function as a means of avoiding unpleasant emotions: in moments of boredom, anxiety or loneliness, the screen offers immediate distraction. The effects differ by age. In children, attention span and imagination can be affected. In adolescents, the formation of identity and the need for social acceptance are influenced. In adults, attention fragmentation and a reduction in the quality of interpersonal relationships are commonly observed.
Digital dependence
The key signs of digital dependence include loss of control over use, intense discomfort when a device is inaccessible, and the neglect of other important activities such as sleep, study or social relationships. Protecting children is not achieved through extreme prohibitions but through balance, Mikellidis says. Parents need to set clear boundaries while building a relationship of trust. Personal example is decisive: if the parent themselves overuses screens, it is difficult to persuade the child to do otherwise. Offering alternative activities that meet the child's needs for play, creativity and social contact is equally important.
The cost of excess
Excessive screen use leads to the loss of important mental functions, he says. The capacity for concentration, tolerance of silence and the ability to process thoughts deeply all diminish. Empathy is also eroded, as direct human contact is replaced by digital communication. Relationships tend to become more superficial, and meaningful connection declines. People also lose the ability to be alone with themselves without external stimulation, something that is essential for self-awareness and psychological equilibrium. The point at which healthy use becomes dependence, Mikellidis says, is signalled when use affects sleep, concentration or relationships, when a person feels anxiety or restlessness without access to their phone, or when their mood depends on the responses they receive on social media.
Moments of silence
Balance is not achieved through large, sudden changes but through small, consistent practices, he says. A few moments of silence during the day, limiting purposeless screen use, adequate sleep and regular physical activity can have a significant impact. The quality of relationships matters equally. Meaningful communication, presence and attentiveness strengthen psychological resilience. Cultivating awareness, the ability to stop and notice what one is doing and how one feels, is a core element of a more conscious life. A simple question such as "does what I am doing benefit me or burden me?" can serve as a compass in daily life.
Easter as an inner reset
Beyond its religious dimension, Easter carries a deep psychological and existential symbolism, Mikellidis says. "It is not only about a historical or religious event. It reflects an inner journey that concerns every person. It speaks of trial, pain, loss, silence, but also of hope, transformation and renewal. In an everyday life often characterised by speed, noise and outward focus, Easter can function as a natural pause. An opportunity to turn inward and ask seriously: What is weighing on me? What have I been carrying beyond what I can bear? Which thoughts, relationships or habits no longer serve me? This reflection does not necessarily require major decisions or dramatic changes." It can begin, he continues, from something very simple: from honest self-observation. "From allowing oneself a little silence, a little space, without constant external stimulation. There, clearer answers often emerge. The message of the Resurrection can also be read psychologically: as the human capacity to restart, to leave behind what corrodes us and to move forward with greater awareness. Not in the sense of perfection, but in the sense of authenticity. Easter can serve as a gentle but meaningful reminder that change does not come only from outside, but above all from within. And that, even after periods of difficulty, there is always room for a new beginning."
The punitive vote
Asked how the phenomenon of the "punitive vote" is explained psychologically, Mikellidis notes that electoral behaviour is not determined exclusively by rational criteria. "It is often strongly influenced by emotional factors. The punitive vote is an expression of discontent. When a citizen feels disappointed or betrayed, the vote becomes a means of reaction. It is not only a choice of political direction but also a manifestation of emotion. From a psychological perspective, this act is connected to the need to restore a sense of control. In an environment where a person feels they have no influence, the vote offers an opportunity to express their power." The punitive vote can also function as a form of symbolic justice, he adds. "The citizen attempts to punish those they hold responsible for the situation they are living through."
Why do many people derive satisfaction from punishing or belittling others?
Contempt for others can function as a defensive mechanism, Mikellidis says. When a person feels inadequate, hurt or powerless, diminishing someone else can give them a temporary sense of superiority. It is a compensation mechanism: instead of confronting their own sense of inadequacy, they shift attention to the other and degrade them. This process may provide momentary relief but does not resolve the deeper problem. Behind schadenfreude or aggression, there is often an unspoken pain. A person who is genuinely balanced has no need to diminish another in order to feel better.