Overconsumption of Media
Written by Irene Eastland, LCMHC
News Media and Your Mental Health: Is There Such a Thing as Watching “Too Much” News?
With today’s instant access to news and world events, is there such a thing as “too much” news? The short answer: absolutely.
In our fast-paced world, we’re constantly connected. From updates on global events to local happenings, we can absorb every detail within minutes. While this might seem advantageous, the constant stream of news can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. With so little downtime, are we ever truly able to relax? Let’s explore how consuming too much news affects our mental health and what we can do to protect it.
How Does Too Much News Affect Your Mental Health?
As we saw during COVID-19, staying informed was essential, but constant exposure to news increased anxiety and stress levels. The American Psychological Association found that frequent COVID-19 updates were linked to heightened distress, depressive symptoms, and even PTSD-like responses in some individuals.
Moreover, constant news consumption can trigger the “fight or flight” response, keeping us in a state of high alert that can hinder relaxation. Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to toxic stress, which affects the body by causing inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and other health concerns. Even if you try to stick to neutral news sources, the majority of stories are often negative, and this steady diet of negativity can make it harder to enjoy the positive moments in life.
Interestingly, doom scrolling on social media—an endless stream of Reels, Shorts, and TikToks—can be just as draining as consuming traditional news channels. This overconsumption of negative information can lead to heightened anxiety and depression, impacting our mental and physical well-being.
So, How Can You Protect Your Mental Health?
1. Take a Break
If you find yourself endlessly consuming media, try taking a media-free day. Allow yourself a break from news and social media to regain a sense of calm. If staying away from news causes you anxiety, consider seeking therapy to help manage this habit.
2. Learn Coping Strategies
Learning to cope with distressing news can help you consume media without feeling overwhelmed. Try reframing anxious “what if” thoughts by reminding yourself, “I can’t control everything, and that’s okay.” Journaling about what you’ve seen in the news can also be a way to process and release negative feelings. Coping strategies like these can be developed through self-help or counseling.
3. Seek Out Positive News
With the internet at our fingertips, we have the power to choose what we consume. Balance out negative news by seeking out positive stories, whether local or global. Many people find that a steady diet of bad news lowers their overall mood and satisfaction, while focusing on uplifting stories has the opposite effect. Set a daily intention to highlight positivity over negativity.
4. Prioritize Self-Care and Connection
It’s easy to get caught up in doom scrolling, but this is your reminder to focus on yourself, your goals, and your relationships first. Before turning on the news or checking social media, connect with a friend or family member. Whether it’s a phone call, coffee date, or simple conversation, real-life connections can shift your perspective on the world and reduce the temptation to overconsume news.
Conclusion
Constant access to information may seem beneficial, but overconsumption of news—especially negative news—can impact our mental health. Taking regular breaks, seeking balance with positive stories, and focusing on self-care are all steps toward a healthier mental state. Remember, you don’t need to know every detail of world events to live a fulfilling life. Take the time to rest your mind and focus on what truly matters.
If this blog inspired you to watch less media and focus more on life’s positives, consider leaving a comment or sharing this article with a friend.
And remember, your life is always in bloom—you get to choose how you grow.