Sweden's security situation is serious and there is a tangible risk that it will deteriorate further, according to Säpo, which presented its situation report on Tuesday.
Säpo chief Charlotte von Essen highlights cyber attacks, influence and unauthorized intelligence activities as major threats.
How should one think about this information as a private individual?
If you feel scared or worried, the best thing to do is to continue living as usual. It is the primary countermeasure against disinformation and influence campaigns, says Andrea Liebman, senior analyst at the Agency for Psychological Defence (APD).
"Be patient"
She means that the purpose of disinformation is to influence citizens' trust in each other and society.
Therefore, it is important to help each other and support people in their vicinity. The more divided we are, the stronger the antagonist, she says, and continues:
Then you can also help yourself by trying to be patient. It is easy to get worked up when you read or see something on the internet that scares you, and then you can also work up your surroundings. So, it is important to have some ice in your stomach, be source-critical and not spread unconfirmed information.
What is your best advice to those who feel scared due to the current security situation?
Source criticism is one of the most important tools. We urge people to always think twice, check the source and seek confirmed information. If you read on and keep yourself updated, you usually feel calmer.
Young people are radicalized
Säpo also describes that they have seen an increase in young people being radicalized online, where the attraction may lie in gross violence rather than ideology.
How should one think about this information as a parent, if you have teenage children?
It is good as a parent to be aware of the information that occurs in the forums where the children are. Then it is easier to be vigilant about what upsets, scares or evokes strong emotions in the child.
The most important thing, she believes, is to talk to your children.
It sounds so simple and maybe a bit like a cliché, but it is almost always where you have to start. And you should not think that you can do it occasionally or that it is enough once. Trust is built up gradually, says Andrea Liebman.
The Agency for Civil Defence and Emergency Planning (MSB) has listed five tips for handling anxiety in the brochure "If crisis or war comes".
1. Talk to relatives, friends, neighbors or some association about your anxiety. It can make you feel less alone.
2. Engage, for example, by helping others to strengthen their preparedness. It can give a sense of meaning.
3. Take care of your health. Good food, sleep and exercise reduce stress and make you feel better.
4. Limit your flow of negative news about the situation in the world. Find a level that is right for you. Give time to things that make you feel good.
5. Contact healthcare if you feel very unwell.
Source: MSB
