Why is the news so negative - Anxiety and Depre...

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Why is the news so negative

davidthecoder profile image
21 Replies

I like to stay informed about what is going on in the world. But I noticed the news is always negative.

Why do they do this? I have heard people in the news business mention it is because people respond more to negativity and fear. If they do more positive stories, their metrics show that they make less money.

I want to stop reading the news but it is a habit. But even if I do stop reading the news, I will know that it will be affecting others besides myself. It is also very difficult to avoid these days.

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davidthecoder profile image
davidthecoder
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21 Replies
LadyZen profile image
LadyZen

I've wondered about this too. The news naturally feeds our anxieties.

davidthecoder profile image
davidthecoder in reply toLadyZen

Which is why I need to quit reading it.

But again, I like to know what is going on in the world. Even the local news, they always post car crashes and it is a trigger for me. So I can't even really know what is going on in my city without being triggered all the time.

I have a feeling this is a problem for others as well. It might even actually be an environmental factor that is partially responsible for the rising numbers of people with anxiety. We want to be informed, but we are also being presented with a negativity bias in the stories we are being shown. And that negativity fuels more negativity, its a feedback loop that builds upon itself.

I think this is also going on with news organizations all over the world, the same trend. It is having a major impact on the world unfortunately.

gerrerd profile image
gerrerd

They keep us in fear with all the bad news, When people are in fear you can control them. The media is bought and paid for by the people who are in control behind the governments.

davidthecoder profile image
davidthecoder in reply togerrerd

I think this is generally right, and of course the people that own these corporations are super rich. They can use it to swing an election in favor of the political candidates of their choosing, while attacking the opposition. It's not just about money, it is about that power.

But also what you mentioned about using fear to control people, I also believe that is true and probably goes far back in history.

Unfortunately that means I don't really get to know what is going on out there, only what I am being told really. Sometimes it could be a complete lie, and I might not even know it.

So maybe I just need to let it go altogether. And be uninformed. Maybe that isn't the worst thing in the world.

But I will also say there are some good journalists out there that really just want to "tell it like it is", and they even go after some corrupt people. And that is a good thing. It can actually be quite a dangerous job for that reason, especially in certain countries that actively seek to suppress those journalists.

But these are generally more rare than the ones that end up just writing clickbait.

davidthecoder profile image
davidthecoder

Thanks for the comment, and yeah everything you have said here is valid and resonates with what I am trying to say. I think as long as I have been alive, it seems there is always a war that is the focal point in the news. That seems to be never ending, and it does feel like some of these corporations are monetizing that pain and suffering.

I understand the importance of journalism and shining a light on these situations but we have now feels like deep down, it is nefarious rather than in the interest of spreading awareness. I say this because it becomes practically all they talk about. A story here and there, it makes sense. But all day long, its too much.

davidthecoder profile image
davidthecoder

Desensitization, another good word to mention here. It has that effect on people as well.

While I might be able to remove myself from its influence, I know that it will continue to affect those around me. I guess I just cant do anything about that, though.

davidthecoder profile image
davidthecoder

No worries about the typo, it was a really good word to bring up here. And also, you are correct about moderation. My problem is that "checking" is part of my OCD and so I check the news, which triggers the anxiety. It is like out of habit. So I will need to break this habit. I just started seeing a good therapist that has OCD himself but is managing it, so he is giving me some help.

But it just bothers me that others might fall into the same problem I have with it. Because pretty much everyone reads the news, and usually daily.

gerrerd profile image
gerrerd

We have nothing to fear, but fear.

Midori profile image
Midori

I could tell you the reasons, but Politics isn't allowed on here.

Cheers, Midori

Krn210 profile image
Krn210

It is very triggering to me as well, so for the time being I have stopped watching, reading, and listening to the news. It’s been a year since I stopped. I noticed a change pretty soon after I quit. I have tried to go in and read local news, but I am still too sensitive so I shall be on hiatus from it until who knows when lol

Hi I dont know if this will help but the way I cope is to read the BBC news page so I can pick and chose which articles I want to read. That way I don't become too overwhelmed by bad news. Even if I just read the headlines that will give me a good idea without reading anything in detail. I do get this.

I find not all the news is negative, some articles are of general interest, just got to look and find what appeals to you at any given time.

Also I rarely watch a live broadcast, In UK we have iplayer so if I watch it I can skip the bits I find upsetting and get onto the stories of interest. Like you I want to keep informed and cutting myself off isn't an option for me.

Hiya. My username has changed slightly, but it's nicks on the washing line here! Who keeps sending you flood alerts - is it the council?

thought you'd remember me! I signed up for local council alerts. I think they cover their backs and portray the worst possible scenario. Must be quite alarming for you to keep getting this - low level threat. It would be doing my head in every time it rained...which is often down here in the SW.

problem but all sorted, Well I reckon it's good to be prepared. Blitz spirit and all that.

There was a tsunami in 1607 which flooded the Somerset levels. Apparently this could happen again due to a fault line off Southern Ireland but I really can't worry about that as well.

Ahh poor you

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

Yes Twinkly?

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

I read the news. One and done. I can't have the constant repetition or my anxiety goes up.

I don't watch tv. I never understood it being on all day,

I say shut it off. Read the headlines daily and all set :)

🐬

in reply toDolphin14

It's a fine line between keeping informed and upsetting ourselves. I think we each have to find our own way. I don't listen to social media, I only read or watch the BBC.

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14 in reply to

Hi WaitingGame10

I'm def not a social media person either.

I agree, find what works and brings you peace :)

❤️🐬

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

I did and I responded :)

❤️🐬

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