As tensions in the Persian Gulf mount, many students say that watching around-the-clock TV coverage is taking its toll.

Major news networks are providing detailed information to their viewers, despite U.S. efforts to censor communications and to order most journalists out of Baghdad.

CNN in particular has pre-empted most of its regular programming since the the war began Jan. 16.

Anxieties can be relieved by constant coverage of the war because viewers see events unfold, said Juris Draguns, a University professor of psychology. However, increased anxieties can result from firsthand accounts of death and destruction, he added.

"The first two days, I was glued to the TV," said Michelle Musso (freshman-athletic training). "Hearing about the bombings brought me to the point of tears."

Charlene Montgomery (senior-philosophy) said she is critical of CNN's coverage because it gives the public a lot of pictures but little specific information.

"I was scared because I didn't know who was being bombed or who was doing the bombing," Montgomery said. "I hardly turn it on anymore because it upsets me."

Draguns said people could become so involved with reports, each person assumes an attitude that "Saddam is threatening me and my lifespace." However, that is extremely rare, he said.

"The line between personal life and public events is obliterated," Draguns said.

Marion Gindes, a clinical psychologist and University adjunct associate professor of psychology, said much of the anxiety people experience depends on personal circumstances. Situations such as if a person knows someone in the Persian Gulf could influence their anxiety level, she said.

People may continually follow news coverage to stay close to their loved ones in the gulf, she said.

Although she doesn't have any family members or close friends in the Persian Gulf, Julie Hildebrand (graduate-athletic training) said seeing the destruction and people with gas masks brought the war closer to home.

"It's just gotten so depressing," said Hildebrand.

"We have to go about our daily life," Gindes said.

If following war coverage interferes with a person's normal activities, he or she is being overexposed to war events, she added.

"CNN has done an absolutely wonderful job at providing instantaneous coverage of things," said Stephen Knowlton, assistant professor of journalism at the University.

However, Knowlton said that even though people should stay as informed as possible, it is unnecessary to watch the network all the time.

Some students are monitoring events because they are concerned about a possible draft.

"I'm worried I'm going to be taken out of here and sent over," said Christopher Moore (freshman-music).

Moore, a member of the Army reserves, said he could be called to the Persian Gulf at any time. "(The coverage) has made me more aware of how good I have it here," said Moore who has two roommates currently in the gulf.