The Dark Side of News Consumption

It makes us more anxious, physically sick, racist, and aggressive.

It is probably obvious to everyone nowadays that following the news is destructive, with far-reaching harmful effects. This is primarily because what grabs attention most is bad news.

The media, far from being a beacon of enlightenment, has become a siren song of despair, drawing us into a vortex of fear, precipice, and anger. It’s a toxic brew, filled with the sting of and the venom of bias. People are prone to consuming news voraciously, as if it were an addictive substance, unaware of the corrosive effects it is having on our psyche.
The purpose of this look into science is to solidify this understanding, backed by indisputable evidence that you can verify on your own.

Let us begin by stating unequivocally that exposure to news — especially bad news — affects not only our but also our . The damage extends far beyond the immediate moment, leaving a lasting effect on our bodies and mindsThe effect of such exposure is almost disturbingly linear, meaning that the more we consume negative information, the worse we feel. This , for instance, shows a clear correlation between media consumption during traumatic events and significant psychological distress, even for those not directly affected.