In today's digitally connected world, we have unprecedented access to news from around the globe. While staying informed is essential, continuous exposure to negative news content can have profound effects on mental health, leading to increased anxiety, feelings of powerlessness, and overall psychological distress.

Understanding News Avoidance

News avoidance—the deliberate decision to disengage from news consumption—is on the rise. Studies indicate that 39% of people worldwide actively avoid the news, up from 29% in 2017. (Lee, 2024) While staying informed is essential in a democratic society, feeling overwhelmed by the relentless cycle of crises, tragedies, and political turmoil dominating the headlines has become commonplace. (Huff, 2022)

The primary reasons for this growing disengagement are clear: the emotionally draining nature of news content, its repetitive focus on negative events, and a deepening sense of helplessness in the face of global challenges. Rather than feeling empowered by knowledge, many report that frequent exposure to distressing news heightens anxiety, sadness, and even depression. (Kellerman, 2022)

However, news avoidance is not necessarily a sign of apathy. Instead, it is often a self-protective response to information overload. In an era where digital platforms deliver a constant stream of news—often curated by algorithms that prioritize emotionally charged content—it can be difficult to strike a balance between staying informed and preserving mental well-being. As a result, some have adopted selective news consumption habits, turning to constructive journalism or solutions-based reporting. Others set boundaries, such as checking headlines only once a day instead of engaging in continuous doomscrolling. (Lee, 2024)

The Psychological Toll of Negative News

Research has consistently shown that prolonged exposure to negative news can have detrimental effects on mental health. Psychologists are increasingly observing a phenomenon described as “media saturation overload,” a specialized form of stress resulting from relentless news consumption. Similar terms such as “headline anxiety" and “headline stress disorder” have emerged to describe this growing issue. While the psychological strain of absorbing distressing news is not new, the steady drumbeat of alarming headlines—amplified by social media—has become relentless in recent years. (Huff, 2022)

Although no formally recognized disorder or diagnostic criteria exist for news-related stress, mental health professionals are seeing more patients grappling with its effects. Recent studies examining the relationship between news consumption and emotional responses indicate that increased exposure to headlines—whether through traditional media or social platforms—can negatively impact mental well-being. The findings suggest that all forms of news consumption contribute to emotional distress, but television and social media appear to have the strongest effects. (Kellerman, 2022)

Psychologists point to uncertainty as a major driver of this distress. Markus Brauer, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-author of a recent study, explains that uncertainty is inherently difficult for the human mind to process. Ideally, seeking information should provide a sense of control and psychological relief. However, when we feel powerless—such as during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic or when hearing about climate change issues—they may experience a phenomenon known as learned helplessness. (Kellerman, 2022)

Social media’s impact on news-related stress appears to be particularly pronounced due to the way platforms are designed. “They’re built for limitless scrolling,” Brauer notes. “When a major negative event dominates the conversation, it can feel like the only thing happening.” This cycle of exposure can intensify anxiety, sadness, and even depressive symptoms. Research has shown that even brief engagement with negative news—such as a 15-minute news segment—can elevate distress immediately afterward. (Kellerman, 2022)

How Did We Get Here?

In today’s hypercompetitive and constantly evolving news ecosystem, the news industry has responded by producing more content than ever—expanding into a plethora of alternative mediums from newsletters to podcasts, to short-form videos and explainers. On top of this, social media has become a dominant source of information. The 2024 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute highlights significant shifts in how people access information with slightly more than half of U.S. adults report getting their news “often” or “sometimes” from social media platforms. However, these platforms thrive on engagement, which often means amplifying the most dramatic or negative stories to drive clicks. (Newman, 2024)

This dynamic has contributed to the rise of doomscrolling, a term that describes the compulsive consumption of negative news, particularly on social media. This behaviour creates a feedback loop in which heightened anxiety drives individuals to seek more updates in search of reassurance, but instead, they encounter distressing content that exacerbates their stress. (Newman, 2024)

As news disperses across multiple platforms, it is increasingly shaped by algorithms and influencers, which can intensify the doomscrolling effect. Users may feel compelled to scroll endlessly for updates, often encountering sensationalized or distressing content designed to keep them engaged. (Newman, 2024)

Strategies to Mitigate Negative Impacts

As news consumption habits evolve, so too must our understanding of their psychological impact. The challenge lies in finding ways to stay informed without compromising mental well-being. Recognizing the emotional toll of excessive exposure is the first step toward developing healthier news habits—ones that provide knowledge without overwhelming the mind. (Huff, 2022)

To protect mental health while staying informed, we can take proactive steps to create a more balanced relationship with the news. Setting clear boundaries around news consumption can help prevent constant exposure from becoming emotionally draining. Allocating specific times for checking updates, rather than engaging in continuous scrolling throughout the day, allows for greater control over information intake. (Huff, 2022)

Curating reliable and balanced news sources is another essential strategy. Choosing reputable outlets that prioritize factual reporting over sensationalism can reduce the likelihood of encountering exaggerated or distressing content. Additionally, seeking out constructive journalism—which highlights solutions alongside challenges—can provide a more nuanced and empowering perspective on world events. (Lee, 2024)

Maintaining a healthy balance between news consumption and positive activities is also crucial. Engaging in exercise, hobbies, or quality time with loved ones can serve as a counterbalance to the emotional weight of the news. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can further help manage anxiety by keeping focus on the present moment rather than becoming overwhelmed by negative headlines. (Huff, 2022)

For those experiencing significant distress related to news exposure, seeking professional support may be beneficial. Mental health professionals can provide strategies for managing anxiety and developing healthier information consumption habits. (Huff, 2022)

By embracing these approaches and staying attuned to the evolving digital news landscape, we can stay informed without compromising our well-being. With that in mind, here are some uplifting developments in science and the humanities from around the world:

• Jordan became the first country to eliminate leprosy.
• The malaria vaccine rollout marks its first anniversary.
• Brazil’s space agency, INPE, confirmed a second consecutive year of declining deforestation in the Amazon.
• Scientists confirmed the resurgence of fin whales in the Scotia Sea, and blue whales were spotted in the Seychelles for the first time in decades.
• The number of children and adolescents out of school has dropped by nearly 40%.
• Eastern and Southern Africa have achieved gender parity in primary education, with 25 million more girls enrolled today than in the early 2000s.

These milestones are just a handful of highlights of the tangible progress being made across science, conservation, and education, reminding us that amidst the challenges dominating the news cycle, positive change is happening worldwide.

Bibliography

Huff, C. (2022). The strain of media overload. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload

Kellerman, J. K., Hamilton, J. L., Selby, E. A., & Kleiman, E. M. (2022). The mental health impact of daily news exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic: Ecological momentary assessment study. JMIR Mental Health, 9(5).

Lee, S. (2024, December 21). As a media columnist, even I found myself turning away from the news. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/21/news-2024-switch-off-democracy-social-media

Newman, N. (2024). Digital news report 2024: Executive summary. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism University of Oxford. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2024/dnr-executive-summary