Vicarious trauma manifests when individuals, especially empaths, repeatedly engage with the trauma of others, resulting in symptoms akin to experiencing that trauma firsthand. This phenomenon can be beneficial in parental contexts but poses significant risks for professionals like therapists who may inadvertently absorb their patients' trauma. The rise of social media has intensified this issue, as individuals seek safe spaces to share their traumatic experiences, inadvertently triggering audiences and creating a cycle of emotional distress. Those who expose themselves to traumatic content online, driven by empathy and a desire to advocate for marginalized communities, risk developing vicarious trauma from sustained exposure to distressing narratives. The correlation between heightened empathy and increased mental stress underscores a worrying trend of social media-induced vicarious trauma, prompting public health officials to consider mental health warnings on these platforms. As empathy drives deeper connections and support within caring relationships, it also increases the likelihood of burnout and mental health deterioration, emphasizing the need for self-care among those in supportive roles.