Humans evolved to pay close attention to danger, but today that instinct is being overwhelmed by an endless supply of bad news from around the world. Researchers say the answer isn’t to stop following current events—it’s to build healthier habits around how, when, and where we get our news.
I just stopped following a lot of it. Even reputable places resort to hyperbole. I switched off for my own mental health. I still know what’s going on. I do not discuss it on social media.
Ultimately, to handle the fact that things are going to shit, you either choose, despair, ignorance or indifference. The last was my choice.
you’ve missed a important option.
True and that is valid to many. I’ve done my fair share of personal sacrifice. It’s more than reasonable to take a break to preserve your mental health.
didnt say it wasnt. you just missed the option for others. =)
I find that filtering out where you get your news from, and specifically limiting how much you delve into social media discussions about it, definitely helps.
I find that reading headlines from the news wire services (AP, Reuters, etc) helps a lot in getting simple news that doesn’t delve into the clickbait bullshit of other sites. That and I specifically avoid opinion pieces. I got plenty of my own opinions; I don’t need some other assholes opinions too.
Its about the junkfood. News should be dry and chalky. Not only is it easier to process (rationally), you tend to just stop consuming when you feel done.
I tend to mostly browse my local city/regional news, some of which have comments on the articles, which is the cesspool you expect but sometimes entertaining. I’ll comment on some articles on Lemmy but otherwise don’t really participate in social media discussions of news unless a friend specifically messages me an article.
You’re doing a massive disservice to the people all throughout history who have striven to make life better for others.
Choosing to filter out content from your social media feed isn’t necessarily about denial or apathy. For many people, it’s a conscious decision to preserve their mental clarity and avoid being constantly pulled into emotionally charged, tribal, or manipulative discourse. Being well-informed doesn’t require immersing yourself in an endless stream of outrage, nor does stepping back from that mean you’re turning a blind eye to anything.
There’s a difference between ignoring reality and choosing how and when to engage with it. Most of what passes for “news” online isn’t a sober presentation of facts or ideas - it’s performance, manufactured outrage, and algorithm-driven noise. If someone wants to stay sane and focus on things they can actually influence in their immediate life, I don’t see that as sticking their head in the sand. I see it as setting healhy boundaries in an environment that’s often designed to provoke rather than inform.
People aren’t morally obligated to be constantly exposed to negativity just to prove they care. In fact, thoughtful action tends to come from those who can step back from the noise and think clearly, not from those who are perpetually consumed by it.
Why would how I mentally process news have any effect on what others have done previously? The people fucking the world up hold that responsibility.
I could feel the weight of that flail around aimlessly, or end myself, but what is that going to achieve? Its just dumb. Wise folk pick their battles.
Heroes are heroes because they’re extraordinary. No shame in not being extraordinary.